Football Card System

Cobham Training Ground

Scolari's Office

The Brazilian stared intently at the news on the computer screen, his eyes burning with anger.

The press conference for the FA Cup third-round match had concluded that afternoon. Initially, Scolari had regarded it as just another ordinary FA Cup game. He hadn't paid much attention to Luton, a team performing well in League Two. But what did that matter? At the end of the day, Luton was still a lower-league team.

However, Gao Bo's comments at the press conference had infuriated Scolari.

For the media, the fact that Gao Bo had previously worked as a coach for Chelsea's U18 team was a sensational angle. When prompted by reporters, Gao Bo skillfully shifted the conversation to Chelsea.

After all, he had been a member of the Chelsea staff.

> "…Is Deco really suitable for Chelsea? Perhaps only Scolari still has faith in him. There's no denying that Deco is a fantastic player, and he performed well when he first joined Chelsea. But the high-intensity nature of the Premier League has increasingly exposed his discomfort. In the West London Derby, Deco attempted 53 passes but made 14 errors. Under such intense pressure, Deco is completely unable to organize the attack. Yet, even in this state, he retains his starting spot..."

When Scolari joined Chelsea, he had wanted to bring in two players: Deco and Robinho. While Manchester City ultimately snatched Robinho, Chelsea managed to sign Deco. For Scolari, Deco was a cornerstone of his tactical plans and one of his most trusted players.

Now, Gao Bo was essentially labeling Deco as useless, which was a direct attack on Scolari's management. The Brazilian couldn't tolerate it.

> "…Scolari is trying to transform Chelsea into a Brazilian-style team. I think that's almost impossible unless Scolari can field eleven Brazilian players..."

> "…I don't think we'll stop at the third round. Chelsea is strong, but the game is a fair competition for both teams..."

Scolari slammed the laptop shut.

"Ignorant novice!"

Fuming, he walked out of his office. Things had been particularly irritating for him lately.

---

Meanwhile, on Abramovich's yacht, gently rocking on the Mediterranean, the Russian oligarch was reading the latest football news from England. When he came across Gao Bo's remarks, his anger flared.

> "…Chelsea's biggest issue is having an owner who doesn't understand football but insists on meddling. Shevchenko was clearly unsuited to Mourinho's tactics, but Mr. Abramovich insisted on bringing him to Chelsea, along with perhaps Ballack. These were not players the manager wanted. Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea is like a rich man buying a shiny toy—exciting for a while, but what happens when the novelty wears off? If the rich man stops writing checks, Chelsea could face an unimaginable crisis..."

> "…For Chelsea, Abramovich's dictatorship might seem like a blessing. The secret influx of rubles is like a drug—temporarily uplifting, but ultimately dangerous..."

Though Gao Bo's statements weren't entirely new, they struck a nerve with Abramovich. Part of his investment in Chelsea was about crafting a public image: a wealthy, benevolent figure contributing to football and charity in British society.

In Russia, however, he was viewed as an oligarch, a symbol of wealth that bred resentment.

Abramovich removed his glasses. If Gao Bo had been just another voice among many, it wouldn't have mattered. England was full of fans—Chelsea supporters included—who criticized Abramovich. But Gao Bo wasn't just any critic; he was the head coach of a team, even if it was a League Two side. And now that team was about to face Chelsea, guaranteeing media attention.

Abramovich could already imagine the headlines the next day. England's tabloid press would undoubtedly seize the drama of "Chelsea's former youth coach taunting his old club." The tabloids would embellish every detail, making the story even more sensational.

Moments earlier, Abramovich had been enjoying the serene Mediterranean evening. Now, the breeze felt irritating.

He picked up his phone and called Scolari.

---

Scolari frowned when he saw the boss's name on the caller ID. To be honest, he didn't enjoy talking to Abramovich. Nevertheless, he answered the call.

"I don't like that Chinese coach at Luton, Mr. Coach," Abramovich said coldly, barely concealing his anger.

"I don't like him either, sir," Scolari replied.

"There must be no slip-ups in this game. The result must silence that Chinese man! I want him to shut up!"

"Don't worry, sir. There will be no problems in this match." Scolari curled his lip in annoyance. It's just a League Two team. Why all the fuss?

Abramovich interrupted: "What I want is a decisive victory!"

Scolari hesitated. He had been considering rotating his squad for this match, given the criticism about his lack of rotation. But now...

"As you wish, sir."

Hanging up, Scolari's face darkened, the wrinkles on his face deepening.

---

Meanwhile, Gao Bo returned home after the press conference. On the way, he ran into Roy at his apartment door.

"What's the point of provoking Chelsea, Mr. Gao?" Roy asked.

"Point?" Gao Bo smiled faintly. "It's a declaration of war, Miss Roy."

"Then why don't you ever make such remarks in League Two?"

Gao Bo paused, then smirked contemptuously: "Because they're too weak."

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[T/N: Could you please review the book so that it reaches others? ((T_T))]