78 Real Madrid and Barcelona Are Restless

In Catalonia, at Barcelona's club.

Barcelona President Rosell hung up the phone with a smile, but his expression turned grim in the next second.

Damn Guadiola!

Damn Lin!

Rosell cursed inwardly before calming himself.

AC Milan's President Berlusconi had called, expressing interest in signing Lin due to his impressive performance in La Liga and the national team. They were willing to pay 45 million euros to Barcelona as a transfer fee.

Berlusconi seldom handles transfer negotiations, as they are usually handled by his long-time partner, Galliani. However, this time he personally intervened, showing respect for Rosell while desperately wanting Lin.

The winter break hadn't even started yet, but they were already so eager.

Rosell, though unknowledgeable about football, realized that Lin had become a sensation.

But, they couldn't make that transfer fee from him!

Their contract with Lin was set to expire in half a year, and no one would be foolish enough to pay a large transfer fee for such a short contract.

If the details were leaked, they would get nothing; they wouldn't earn a single penny.

Even if someone were willing to pay the transfer fee, they could only pay the 500,000 euro buyout clause, not more.

No one would naively throw away 45 million euros!

Moreover, to sell a player, the player's consent was required. If Lin didn't agree, they couldn't sell him.

If Lin said no, even if it were 4 billion euros, they could only watch.

Rosell was furious, wondering why Lin had refused to extend his contract. If they had an agreement, they could control the situation.

But now, they were in a disadvantageous position.

It was as if they were guarding a mine, but couldn't develop it.

Rosell blamed Guardiola for this situation, unaware that it was his own fault.

Meanwhile, in a restaurant in Spain, Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez met the person he had agreed to see.

"Here's what you asked for; you better not forget our agreement!"

"Don't worry, Louis, once you leave Barcelona and join us at Valencia, the head coaching position is yours."

Valencia, a small club compared to Real Madrid, had a vacant head coaching position. Florentino Pérez's offer, therefore, seemed plausible.

Enrique nodded, handing over the requested item.

As Pérez casually leafed through the information, he appeared calm and composed. But upon reading certain content, he trembled, giving away his inner excitement.

Seated across from him, Enrique nervously looked around, afraid of being discovered.

Fortunately, this secluded restaurant had been reserved by Florentino Pérez, and no one noticed them.

After reviewing the documents, Pérez smiled.

"Rosell, you're quite the airhead. To not renew a gem from the youth squad and instead drive him out..."

Pérez anticipated that if he successfully brought Lin from RCD Espanyol to Real Madrid, the impact would be greater than when he signed Figo from Barcelona years ago.

In the aftermath of the victory against Belarus, the Spanish national team rapidly returned to Spain for their upcoming focus game against France in their group stage.

The French front line was powerful, featuring stars like Giroud, Griezmann, and Benzema, all from top-tier clubs.

However, their midfield was weaker compared to Spain's, as evident in the Euro Cup quarter-finals where Spain defeated France 2-0 to eliminate them.

Spain had a commanding edge in their historical encounters, with 14 wins, 10 losses, and 7 draws.

In the past decade, France had only defeated Spain once, at the 2006 World Cup, while Spain had triumphed in their three subsequent matches.

Despite their advantage on paper and historical precedent, the Spanish team remained cautious. Coach Bosque thoroughly analyzed their opponents' features and made specific preparations.

Recognized for their physical strength and high proportion of African players, the French offense thrived on speed and power plays. 

Weaknesses include lack of flexibility and creativity. Since Zidane retired, France has not seen a midfield maestro like him.

Take a look at France's midfield: Alou Diarra (Marseille), Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), M'Vila (Rennes), Martin (Sochaux), Cabaye (Newcastle), Malouda (Chelsea), Nasri (Manchester City).

Except for Nasri, they are all rough types, like workhorses.

Playing intricate football is not their strong suit; France relies on speed and power to win.

But surprisingly, Spain is cautious of these strong and tough midfielders.

They lack technique but possess strong physical attributes and wide coverage in interception. Just like Real Madrid's warrior Pepe, facing three or four of them would intimidate anyone.

"Don't give them the chance to commit fouls. Pass the ball, play more one-touch passes. France has fast forwards; getting the ball stolen and countered by them is dangerous. Understand?"

Coach Bosque, a renowned leader, knows his team's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opponent's characteristics.

To play to their strengths, Spain opts for possession and passing tactics to defeat formidable foes.

Furthermore, exploiting the opponent's high defensive intensity and propensity for fouls, Bosque has included set-piece tactic training.

Spain has several set-piece specialists; Lin didn't plan to participate initially.

However, Iniesta's curiosity led Lin to showcase his skills.

"How was that?"

Joined by Xavi, Fabregas, Silva, and others, they evaluated their set-piece techniques.

"Lin's set-pieces are more varied, while Xavi's are more imaginative."

After observing, Fabregas affirmed their skills.

Silva nodded in agreement.

Xavi then asked, "When you see Lin's set-pieces, do you think of someone?"

Think of someone?

They pondered and finally Fabregas tentatively asked, "Are you referring to Messi?"

"Exactly, don't you think his set-piece style is quite similar to Messi's?"

After Harvey's observation, Fabregas, who was well acquainted with Messi's technique, nodded in agreement, remarking, "It's true. The way he takes set-pieces and plays on the field is very Messi-like."

Harvey exclaimed, "When I see him, I feel like I'm watching a young version of Messi. Their styles are so similar!"

As Lin and Iniesta were enjoying themselves, Bosque appeared at the sideline and called Lin over.

"Lin, come here!"

Perplexed, Lin ran over. "Coach, did you need me?"

Bosque nodded. "I've watched your matches in the Bundesliga. You've taken a few penalties for Werder Bremen. Are you the primary penalty taker on the team?"

Shaking his head, Lin replied, "No, but when I earn penalties, the coaching staff lets me take them."

"Have you missed any penalties so far?"

"Not at all. I've scored all penalties."

"Do you want to be the national team's primary penalty taker?"

Lin was surprised. Bosque's expression was serious, with no hint of joking.

"That, wouldn't that be too much?" Lin had just joined the team, and being the primary penalty taker seemed challenging.

Bosque looked at him and asked, "Do you know when the European Golden Boy award will be announced?"