Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, or the youth named Pepe, stood apart from the crowd, peering somewhat strangely at the man and woman before him . The girl was tall and beautiful . The man claimed to be the manager of an English Premier League Club… Pepe found him unfamiliar . Was he truly the manager of Nottingham Forest?
Pepe's match before had ended in victory . Just when he was about to welcome the next team of challengers, the man before him approached with his name card .
Following that, Pepe casually found a substitute to take his place and headed out to have a detailed discussion with the man .
A manager from a professional football club from Europe had come looking for a professional player; what else could it be? Not everything had to be spelled out so clearly; Pepe already knew what to expect .
"Mr . Tony…"
Tang En signaled to him to wait, pointing to a row of umbrellas on the beach . "Let's take a seat there to talk," He said .
After the three sat down, they asked for three glasses of juice from the waiter who came over .
Meanwhile, Tang En took this time to think about Pepe's current situation .
As a loyal FM series player, it was impossible for Tang En to be unaware of the center back with the greatest body values in FM07 - Pepe . Whenever he had met with a formidable player in the game, Tang En had had the habit of conducting research online to uncover all the relevant information on the player . From this, he would gain a better understanding of them . Thereafter, when he returned to play the game, there was also a greater sense of immersion .
As a result, when Pepe was still undiscovered by the world, it had seemed as if Tang En had already known him for a very long time within the world of FM07 . He knew about his work history, his past in FC Porto, and even the name of the first club he had played in when he had first arrived in Continental Europe . Naturally, Tang En was also aware that it was currently a low period for Pepe .
The waiter served the three glasses of fruit juice and left . Shania took the straw and drank her juice quietly . She had no interest in the conversation between the two men and could only gaze afar, watching the people and admiring the scenery .
"I'm not one to make small talk," Tang En said, looking at Pepe . "Nottingham Forest is qualified to participate in the Champions League next season . With Hierro retired, we're looking for a fullback who can replace him; and I think very highly of you, Pepe . "
Pepe was stunned . Even though he had known that the man was probably looking for him to discuss exactly this, he had not expected him to be so straightforward .
Furthermore, a particular name had struck a chord with him .
"Hierro? Real Madrid's Hierro?"
Tang En laughed . "He's Nottingham Forest's now… Well, he used to be . But he's retired . Forest is looking for his successor . Do you understand, Pepe? I think you have many commonalities with Hierro . "
Pepe's idol was Hierro . Tang En's words were very pleasing to Pepe .
"A tall and sturdy body with outstanding technique and burst power… You are very similar to Hierro in his younger days . The only thing you need to improve on is your ability to assist with long passes . In terms of attacking, Hierro is an expert . "
Pepe frowned . He felt that Tang En had hit the nail on the head . "Uh . I'm a center back . I would often be behind the team . But…"
"You started out as a forward, right?" Tang En suddenly asked .
"Yes . " Pepe nodded . "At first, I was a forward . Then I became a midfielder . As I played, I eventually became a fullback . "
Tang En chortled . "Many Brazilian fullbacks come about this way . " Sensing that Pepe could misunderstand and think of it as mockery, Tang En added with a smile, "Practically anyone who walked down that path turned out to be a brilliant defender . Lúcio, Cafu… I think that in the bones of Brazilian players must be some instinct to push forward; even if the position played was the goalkeeper . What makes you think a fullback has to stay at the back?"
"Of course, uh… it's because the coach requested it of us . "
"In reality, if you take Hierro as your idol, you should learn how he launches attacks from the backfield . To be honest, as the manager, he has taught me many lessons through the year I worked with him in Forest . "
Tang En naturally exaggerated some aspects of what he said . However, it was true that Hierro had given Tang En much help and inspiration in many areas . In the past, Tang En had believed that the center back should always stay behind . Other than participating in the attack when there was a place-kick in the front field, the center back should always prioritize safety . Exceptions could be made when the situation was particularly unfavorable; when it was necessary to implement desperate measures . In those situations, Tang En might allow the center back to advance forward and act more like a forward; in his first season with Forest, he used that tactic twice .
After Hierro's arrival in Forest, his body could no longer keep up as well . However, the awareness he displayed in grabbing hold of opportunities to boldly cut forward during training was something Tang En had learned much from . What is the effect of a center back, a position that everyone believes should stay docilely in the backfield, suddenly taking the ball and cutting forward during a match, or launching counterattacks with long passes?
The defense of the opponents would be thrown into chaos, allowing the attack to be further obscured, and subsequently increasing its chances of success . Additionally, functioning as a rear defender who could observe the situation from the back, it was much easier for them to utilize gaps . They would always be able to find gaps that got overlooked by the players on the frontline . Then, as long as he had a good grasp of his ability to long pass, his shots held the potential to become a buzzer beater .
Such an attack launched directly by the center back would save traveling over the midfield . Not only does it save time, but it also occurs so out of the blue that it becomes incredibly challenging to defend against .
During Hierro's prime in Real Madrid, it was not merely his ability in defense that sparked admiration; it was also his talent in attacking that benefited them . Before Raul, Hierro was the highest scorer representing Spain's National Team, despite his position of a center back . In that era, he was perhaps the greatest scorer among the center backs within the international soccer scene .
※※※
The two men, Tang En and Pepe, sat before the breath-taking view of Copacabana beach and started chatting about how a center back should participate in the offense . They looked so utterly delighted chatting that they exuded a feeling of regret for not having known each other before .
Shania was bored . The straw in her mouth started making wheezing sounds as she sucked on air; she had finished her juice . She looked around for a waiter, but there were beginning to be more and more people coming to the area to rest, so she was unable to find one quickly . A glance at Tang En's glass got her attention . It was still full without even a sip taken!
She rolled her eyes and stretched her hand out to take the glass . Poking her straw into the glass, she sucked vengefully on the two straws with a loud slurp .
Her tremendously unladylike way of drinking the juice finally caught Tang En's attention .
He turned to look at Shania, who looked back innocently . Turning his gaze downward, he noticed the empty glass before him and grinned at Pepe . The other man indicated his understanding and returned the grin .
Both seemed to realize that the conversation was at its end . Pepe had yet to agree to the matter of transferring . Since Tang En's first brief mention of it at the beginning of their conversation, there was no other further segue into the topic .
"Well . . . I think I should… My friends are still waiting for me . " Pepe arose, pointing at a few people a distance away . They were the players on his team earlier on .
Tang En nodded in understanding . Having such a delightful chat, he had almost forgotten his original aim of finding Pepe .
Just as he was standing to send him off, Pepe suddenly turned and asked, "How did you know Hierro was my idol? I don't remember having told you that, Mr . Twain . "
Tang En knew that it was a problem caused by his pre-transmigration memory .
He could only use a rather unconvincing excuse to explain how he knew Pepe so well . He said, "Didn't you feel… that we were chatting as if we were old friends?"
Pepe cracked a smile at his reasoning and waved at him . "Goodbye, Mr . Tony . It's a pleasure to know you . "
"Goodbye, Pepe . You too . "
"Goodbye, my lady," Pepe said, not forgetting to bid farewell to Shania .
Shania had put on a look of disinterest as she listened to the men talk, peering at whatever was around . However, after noticing signs that their talk was about to end, Shania started listening in . Hearing Pepe's goodbyes, she stood up happily and waved . "Bye, Pepe!"
After sending Pepe back to his companions, Tang En turned back to Shania . He said nothing but looked at her, his face beaming . His smile was so bright, it could almost compare with the sunlight shining down on their heads .
Seeing his expression, Shania sighed . "If I had known, I would have suggested a vacation in America!"
Tang En knew it was his fault that he had neglected Shania . A man should not be afraid of making mistakes, but must still own up to them . So, he took the initiative of inviting Shania to dine together .
"I'm not hungry! I'm full enough from the juice!"
Looking at the two empty glasses and Shania's unhappy face, Tony also made a face as he sat down . "Then I'll drink with you . " He waved his hand to call for a waiter, but Shania's hands shot out to block him .
"Fine, fine . If we drink any more, we're going to turn into fruits . I know a restaurant with delicious barbeque . It's your treat!"
Hearing Shania's words, Tang En's face lit up once more .
"Alright, don't be angry anymore, Shania . I promise to keep you company throughout our time in Brazil, so much that you get annoyed . "
"No way!" Shania retorted, keeping half of her sentence to herself .
I would never…
※※※
Tang En and Shania enjoyed their day in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, only returning home in the late night . Shania's parents seemed unconcerned by her wild antics . Perhaps it was because Tang En was accompanying her, but they felt no need to worry . Or it might be because Shania was usually taken care of by an even sterner Auntie Ryan in England; they figured it was not a bad thing to allow Shania to relax during her vacation . After all, she was only a 15-year-old child . With both of them so busy with their jobs and other social events, Tang En's "free nanny" services, accompanying Shania 24 hours a day, was something they were more than happy to have .
Chapter 317: Pepe Part 1. Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, or the youth named Pepe, stood apart from the crowd, peering somewhat strangely at the man and woman before him . The girl was tall and beautiful . The man claimed to be the manager of an English Premier League Club… Pepe found him unfamiliar . Was he truly the manager of Nottingham Forest? Pepes match before had ended in victory . Just when he was about to welcome the next team of challengers, the man before him approached with his name card . Following that, Pepe casually found a substitute to take his place and headed out to have a detailed discussion with the man . A manager from a professional football club from Europe had come looking for a professional player; what else could it be? Not everything had to be spelled out so clearly; Pepe already knew what to expect . Mr . Tony… Tang En signaled to him to wait, pointing to a row of umbrellas on the beach . Lets take a seat there to talk, He said . After the three sat down, they asked for three glasses of juice from the waiter who came over . Meanwhile, Tang En took this time to think about Pepes current situation . As a loyal FM series player, it was impossible for Tang En to be unaware of the center back with the greatest body values in FM07 - Pepe . Whenever he had met with a formidable player in the game, Tang En had had the habit of conducting research online to uncover all the relevant information on the player . From this, he would gain a better understanding of them . Thereafter, when he returned to play the game, there was also a greater sense of immersion . As a result, when Pepe was still undiscovered by the world, it had seemed as if Tang En had already known him for a very long time within the world of FM07 . He knew about his work history, his past in FC Porto, and even the name of the first club he had played in when he had first arrived in Continental Europe . Naturally, Tang En was also aware that it was currently a low period for Pepe . The waiter served the three glasses of fruit juice and left . Shania took the straw and drank her juice quietly . She had no interest in the conversation between the two men and could only gaze afar, watching the people and admiring the scenery . Im not one to make small talk, Tang En said, looking at Pepe . Nottingham Forest is qualified to participate in the Champions League next season . With Hierro retired, were looking for a fullback who can replace him; and I think very highly of you, Pepe . Pepe was stunned . Even though he had known that the man was probably looking for him to discuss exactly this, he had not expected him to be so straightforward . Furthermore, a particular name had struck a chord with him . Hierro? Real Madrids Hierro? Tang En laughed . Hes Nottingham Forests now… Well, he used to be . But hes retired . Forest is looking for his successor . Do you understand, Pepe? I think you have many commonalities with Hierro . Pepes idol was Hierro . Tang Ens words were very pleasing to Pepe . A tall and sturdy body with outstanding technique and burst power… You are very similar to Hierro in his younger days . The only thing you need to improve on is your ability to assist with long passes . In terms of attacking, Hierro is an expert . Pepe frowned . He felt that Tang En had hit the nail on the head . Uh . Im a center back . I would often be behind the team . But… You started out as a forward, right? Tang En suddenly asked . Yes . Pepe nodded . At first, I was a forward . Then I became a midfielder . As I played, I eventually became a fullback . Tang En chortled . Many Brazilian fullbacks come about this way . Sensing that Pepe could misunderstand and think of it as mockery, Tang En added with a smile, Practically anyone who walked down that path turned out to be a brilliant defender . Lúcio, Cafu… I think that in the bones of Brazilian players must be some instinct to push forward; even if the position played was the goalkeeper . What makes you think a fullback has to stay at the back? Of course, uh… its because the coach requested it of us . In reality, if you take Hierro as your idol, you should learn how he launches attacks from the backfield . To be honest, as the manager, he has taught me many lessons through the year I worked with him in Forest . Tang En naturally exaggerated some aspects of what he said . However, it was true that Hierro had given Tang En much help and inspiration in many areas . In the past, Tang En had believed that the center back should always stay behind . Other than participating in the attack when there was a place-kick in the front field, the center back should always prioritize safety . Exceptions could be made when the situation was particularly unfavorable; when it was necessary to implement desperate measures . In those situations, Tang En might allow the center back to advance forward and act more like a forward; in his first season with Forest, he used that tactic twice . After Hierros arrival in Forest, his body could no longer keep up as well . However, the awareness he displayed in grabbing hold of opportunities to boldly cut forward during training was something Tang En had learned much from . What is the effect of a center back, a position that everyone believes should stay docilely in the backfield, suddenly taking the ball and cutting forward during a match, or launching counterattacks with long passes? The defense of the opponents would be thrown into chaos, allowing the attack to be further obscured, and subsequently increasing its chances of success . Additionally, functioning as a rear defender who could observe the situation from the back, it was much easier for them to utilize gaps . They would always be able to find gaps that got overlooked by the players on the frontline . Then, as long as he had a good grasp of his ability to long pass, his shots held the potential to become a buzzer beater . Such an attack launched directly by the center back would save traveling over the midfield . Not only does it save time, but it also occurs so out of the blue that it becomes incredibly challenging to defend against . During Hierros prime in Real Madrid, it was not merely his ability in defense that sparked admiration; it was also his talent in attacking that benefited them . Before Raul, Hierro was the highest scorer representing Spains National Team, despite his position of a center back . In that era, he was perhaps the greatest scorer among the center backs within the international soccer scene . ※※※ The two men, Tang En and Pepe, sat before the breath-taking view of Copacabana beach and started chatting about how a center back should participate in the offense . They looked so utterly delighted chatting that they exuded a feeling of regret for not having known each other before . Shania was bored . The straw in her mouth started making wheezing sounds as she sucked on air; she had finished her juice . She looked around for a waiter, but there were beginning to be more and more people coming to the area to rest, so she was unable to find one quickly . A glance at Tang Ens glass got her attention . It was still full without even a sip taken! She rolled her eyes and stretched her hand out to take the glass . Poking her straw into the glass, she sucked vengefully on the two straws with a loud slurp . Her tremendously unladylike way of drinking the juice finally caught Tang Ens attention . He turned to look at Shania, who looked back innocently . Turning his gaze downward, he noticed the empty glass before him and grinned at Pepe . The other man indicated his understanding and returned the grin . Both seemed to realize that the conversation was at its end . Pepe had yet to agree to the matter of transferring . Since Tang Ens first brief mention of it at the beginning of their conversation, there was no other further segue into the topic . Well . I think I should… My friends are still waiting for me . Pepe arose, pointing at a few people a distance away . They were the players on his team earlier on . Tang En nodded in understanding . Having such a delightful chat, he had almost forgotten his original aim of finding Pepe . Just as he was standing to send him off, Pepe suddenly turned and asked, How did you know Hierro was my idol? I dont remember having told you that, Mr . Twain . Tang En knew that it was a problem caused by his pre-transmigration memory . He could only use a rather unconvincing excuse to explain how he knew Pepe so well . He said, Didnt you feel… that we were chatting as if we were old friends? Pepe cracked a smile at his reasoning and waved at him . Goodbye, Mr . Tony . Its a pleasure to know you . Goodbye, Pepe . You too . Goodbye, my lady, Pepe said, not forgetting to bid farewell to Shania . Shania had put on a look of disinterest as she listened to the men talk, peering at whatever was around . However, after noticing signs that their talk was about to end, Shania started listening in . Hearing Pepes goodbyes, she stood up happily and waved . Bye, Pepe! After sending Pepe back to his companions, Tang En turned back to Shania . He said nothing but looked at her, his face beaming . His smile was so bright, it could almost compare with the sunlight shining down on their heads . Seeing his expression, Shania sighed . If I had known, I would have suggested a vacation in America! Tang En knew it was his fault that he had neglected Shania . A man should not be afraid of making mistakes, but must still own up to them . So, he took the initiative of inviting Shania to dine together . Im not hungry! Im full enough from the juice! Looking at the two empty glasses and Shanias unhappy face, Tony also made a face as he sat down . Then Ill drink with you . He waved his hand to call for a waiter, but Shanias hands shot out to block him . Fine, fine . If we drink any more, were going to turn into fruits . I know a restaurant with delicious barbeque . Its your treat! Hearing Shanias words, Tang Ens face lit up once more . Alright, dont be angry anymore, Shania . I promise to keep you company throughout our time in Brazil, so much that you get annoyed . No way! Shania retorted, keeping half of her sentence to herself . I would never… ※※※ Tang En and Shania enjoyed their day in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, only returning home in the late night . Shanias parents seemed unconcerned by her wild antics . Perhaps it was because Tang En was accompanying her, but they felt no need to worry . Or it might be because Shania was usually taken care of by an even sterner Auntie Ryan in England; they figured it was not a bad thing to allow Shania to relax during her vacation . After all, she was only a 15-year-old child . With both of them so busy with their jobs and other social events, Tang Ens free nanny services, accompanying Shania 24 hours a day, was something they were more than happy to have .
Chapter end
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