Chapter 217 Knockout Draw

The front page headline of The Times: In the last round of Group G of the Champions League, Chelsea beat Porto 3:2, with a hat trick and a last-minute winner from Jiang!

"Marca" front page headline + large font - Real Madrid scored 8 goals against Malmö in the Champions League group stage, Ronaldo scored four goals, Benzema scored a hat trick, and Kovacic scored.

ESPN - Chelsea's Jiang is firmly at the top of the Champions League scorer list with 6 goals in 13 games. Behind him is Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 6 goals in 11 group matches.

The Guardian's mid-season special edition - Jiang scored hat tricks in 6 of 3 Champions League games, the Golden Boy Award odds reversed Martial to first place, has the suspense of this year's European Golden Boy disappeared?

UEFA——小组赛16支晋级球队已经全部确定，欧冠淘汰赛抽签仪式将在当地时间12月14日12点（北京时间12月14日晚上8点）举行。

The front page headline of "China Football News" - According to personnel information, the U23 Asian Cup roster has been determined. The Football Association will announce the roster in mid-December. Currently, 12 people have been confirmed to be shortlisted.

The front page headline of China Sports Daily: Will Chelsea star Jiang Yuan travel with the team to Qatar? The spokesperson of the Football Association deliberately avoided questions related to Jiang Yuan when interviewed by reporters.

betway中国区网站弹窗——江远出征U23亚洲杯赔率1：17.5，江远不参加U23亚洲杯赔率1：1.15。

A reporter from China Football News conducted a random interview - among the 100 Chinese national football fans interviewed by the reporter, 97 fans hoped that Jiang Yuan would lead the team to the U23 Asian Cup (because the U23 Asian Cup will be the last chance for the Chinese Olympic men's football team to qualify for the Rio Olympics), but the fans generally believed that this was unrealistic and that Jiang Yuan's return to China would most likely be blocked by the club.

……

You get cell regeneration

[You have gained a small speed enhancement]

Jiang Yuan was sweating on the training ground of Cobham base.

Jiang Yuan really enjoyed every touch of the ball, every change of direction, and every shot.

Although Jiang Yuan has only been at Chelsea for less than half a season, he has already walked on every patch of grass at the Cobham base.

Under the influence of the system, Jiang Yuan has his own views on training.

The sweat of hard work drips onto the grass, and in the spring of next year, new flowers will bloom on the grass nourished by the sweat.

"boom!"

A powerful shot hit the goal, another blind spot!
After completing this shot, Jiang Yuan decided to end his extra training this afternoon. He sat down on the grass, and with a thought, he began the familiar process of testing the training results.

17 years and 8 month
Height: 182cm
Weight: XNUM X kg
Maximum oxygen uptake: 55.5ml/kg/min
Dominant foot: left and right

Weak foot ability: No weak foot (Golden Edge Luo template is in effect)
First attacker template: French supercar-Kylian Mbappe (35/50)

Second attacker template: Golden Flash-Cristiano Ronaldo (35/50)

Sub-defensive template: Shovel – Wan-Bissaka (100%)

Additional Skill: Quaresma Outside of Foot (Right Foot)

Transfermarkt price: 20M (updated on Aug.6th)

I gained 0.5kg, but other than that, I didn't...

Wait!

Jiang Yuan's pupils suddenly dilated violently, and a change in data on the panel instantly attracted Jiang Yuan's attention.

After half a year, his maximum oxygen uptake finally increased again!
Sure enough, Rozovic had not lied to himself before. Although it is difficult to improve the maximum oxygen uptake, under the stimulation of long-term endurance training, the maximum oxygen uptake will still undergo some changes.

The special thing is that at Jiang Yuan's age, 13-16 years old is the best time to train speed, while the best time for endurance training is between 16 and 25 years old.

People in the 16-25 age group already have some ability to withstand extreme oxygen-deficient environments. Increasing the intensity of endurance training at this time can stimulate the athlete's cardiopulmonary function.

"not bad!"

This is the evaluation Jiang Yuan gave himself. Although his height growth slowed down after coming to Chelsea, he did not completely stop growing.

Higher oxygen uptake will be Jiang Yuan’s biggest weapon in the second half of the game!
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind Jiang Yuan.

"Hey, Jiang!"

The H is silent, classic French English.

"The draw for the knockout round is about to begin, don't you want to go and take a look?"

Jiang Yuan, who was sitting on the ground, turned his head, and as expected, the person who came was the only Frenchman in the team, Kurt Zouma.

"The knockout draw?"

Jiang Yuan was stunned at first, then he reacted immediately.

Yes, if you count the time, the draw for this season’s Champions League knockout round is about to begin.

Jiang Yuan didn't think any more, put on his slippers, and walked towards Zuma: "How long will it take?"

"I don't know. Jose asked me to call you."

Zuma licked his lips and handed Jiang Yuan a sports towel: "Are you training again? Don't you really want to take a break?"

“There’s no need for that.”

Jiang Yuan took the towel from Zuma. Cell regeneration could restore his physical condition, but it could not help him evaporate the sweat on his body.

"I only know that Real Madrid and Barcelona are first in the group. Anyway, we won't meet those Spaniards, that's enough"

To be honest, in Jiang Yuan's opinion, although Chelsea's form this season is a bit sluggish, they can still fight as long as they don't meet Real Madrid or Barcelona.

You can’t blame Chelsea, the situation in La Liga at this point in time is really outrageous.

After listening to Jiang Yuan's question, Zouma lowered his head and thought carefully for a while: "There are also Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Zenit, and Bayern. These are all first in their groups. We will definitely not meet them in the first round, which is still pretty good."

Those who can enter the knockout stage of the Champions League are not ordinary people. The eight group winners this season are even more famous. Although Zenit's reputation worldwide is far less than that of the other seven teams, in Europe, the Russian Premier League overlord Zenit is very famous.

"By the way, Jiang! Who do you think our opponent will be?"

Zuma raised an eyebrow, a smile on his face.

The result of the draw for the round of 16 will most likely determine how far Chelsea can go in this season's Champions League.

Jiang Yuan just shrugged and said, "We got first place in the group. We have done our best. The rest can only be left to God."

“When did you start believing in God?”

Zuma was a little surprised by what Jiang Yuan said.

According to Zuma's understanding, there are not many religious people in China, and even fewer of them believe in Christianity.

"Don't take it too seriously. I just want to express my meaning."

Jiang Yuan smiled bitterly and said that what he said had changed a lot after staying abroad for a long time.

If he continues to stay in England for another three or four years, Jiang Yuan might develop a London accent.

Hey!
Pushing open the glass door of the strength room, Chelsea's teammates had been waiting inside for a long time.

Terry was sitting on a spinning bike, William was riding an elliptical machine, and there were people sitting on yoga mats. Everyone had different styles, and a 250-inch LCD TV was hanging in front of them.

The big words UEFA Champions League are very eye-catching.

"Come on, sit down!"

Mourinho waved at Jiang Yuan, motioning Jiang Yuan to sit next to him. Jiang Yuan didn't say much and sat down on the bench.

"Are you nervous?"

Mourinho pointed to the big screen in front, and Infantino's big bald head attracted attention.

Jiang Yuan was about to speak, but Zuma beat him to the punch: "Sir, I'm very nervous!"

"I didn't ask you!"

Mourinho kicked, but Zouma dodged it by twisting his butt.

"Go sit down!"

Mourinho dismissed Zouma and then looked into Jiang Yuan's eyes: "Is this your second time playing in the Champions League knockout rounds? Wow... He's only 17 years old. That's amazing!"

Asian parents are used to giving their children a spurring education. If a child achieves a little success, they will be warned immediately by their parents, saying things like "Don't be proud" or "Don't be complacent."

In Europe, elders prefer to encourage children, just as Mourinho is praising Jiang Yuan now.

“I don’t know how far we can go this season.”

Jiang Yuan's eyes were fixed on the LCD TV hanging on the wall in front of him, and no one knew what was going on in his mind.

……

The entire lottery process lasted 45 minutes, most of which was spent by the hosts and guests giving speeches. In fact, the actual lottery time was less than 15 minutes.

The time was long, but Chelsea's players did not feel bored.

After all, what Infantino drew was not a prize, but Chelsea's opponent in the Champions League knockout stage.

With the witness of nearly 30 first-team players and millions of Blues fans, Chelsea's opponents in the round of 16 were announced.

French Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain!

“Is this a good sign?”

Jiang Yuan looked at Mourinho. He rarely watched Ligue 1 games and was not particularly familiar with Paris' current strength.

He only knows that Paris has won the French Ligue 1 championship for many years.

Mourinho deadpanned: "Is it a good signing? That's a good question, but I don't know how to explain it to you."

"Last season, Paris only lost 3 games in Ligue "

!!!

……

That evening, the endorsement fee from Adidas was reviewed by the financial department and officially arrived in Jiang Yuan’s HSBC bank account. After deducting taxes, agent commissions, and the club’s share, Jiang Yuan received 235 million euros.

I have to say, the taxes in the UK are really harsh!

After getting this money, Jiang Yuan's first thought was to buy a villa in London. After a few months, when Jiang Hao's training in Porto is finished, he can bring his family to London.

So Jiang Yuan called Mendes' private phone, and on the phone, he expressed to Mendes his plan to buy a house.

If you think that the role of football agents is only to help players negotiate transfers, you are wrong. Considering the heavy schedules of top players, some agents who earn a higher commission will also help players find suitable housing.

The service provided by Mendes is certainly not free, and the commission is about 5% of the purchase price.

"Mr. Jiang, to be honest, I don't really recommend you to buy a house now."

Unexpectedly, Mendes rejected Jiang Yuan's request to buy a house.

"Why? You know, I need a bigger house. In half a year, or even a few months, my family will come to London. I need a decent villa."

After all, Mendes was going to help him choose a house, so Jiang Yuan had to make his needs clear.

However, despite this, Mendes still maintained his opinion: "Sir, as you said, your family will not arrive in London for a few months, so you might as well buy a house later."

"Later? Why do you say that?"

Jiang Yuan raised his eyebrows. Isn’t it better to buy a house as early as possible?
Of course, as a professional agent, Mendes must have experienced a lot of such things. Professional athletes buy villas after receiving high salaries and bring their family and friends to live together.

Considering Mendes' experience, Jiang Yuan was willing to listen to the Portuguese's reasons.

"Sir, according to my calculations, your current total assets are around 350 million pounds. With 300 million pounds, you can buy a very nice villa in London, with a parking space, a swimming pool, and a back garden. However, these are not considered luxury homes. I am more familiar with London, and the price of luxury homes here is about 500 million pounds."

"You spend 200 pounds to buy a villa now, but you will still have to sell it later. It's not an urgent need anyway, so why not wait a little longer." It has to be said that Mendes was very thoughtful.

But Jiang Yuan still faces a problem.

"I will need the house in half a year at the latest, but if I don't get a new endorsement, I may not get 200 million pounds in half a year..."

In fact, if Jiang Yuan wants to be an endorsement, he will definitely get it.

But there is also a problem. After becoming famous, constantly looking for endorsements will definitely cause dissatisfaction from the club.

Besides that, the local London papers would surely explode.

Jiang Yuan could even guess what those stupid reporters would say!

"Shocking, the 17-year-old Premier League prodigy is obsessed with money, has multiple endorsements in a short period of time, and may have neglected training!"

Fans are all human beings, and as long as they are human beings, they will be led by public opinion.

After such a huge publicity campaign by the media and newspapers, Jiang Yuan's impression in the minds of fans will undoubtedly be damaged.

Taking these into consideration, Jiang Yuan has made up his mind. Before he wins a championship, he will not touch any commercial endorsements!

“Can’t get 200 million in half a year?”

"Jiang, your basic annual salary is only a little over 100 million pounds, but your bonus is high! According to your goal scoring efficiency, it won't be difficult to earn 200 million, let alone 500 million."

Mendes' words awakened Jiang Yuan.
Yes, goal bonus!
In the contract signed by Jiang Yuan, his league goal bonus is 25 pounds, his Champions League group stage goal bonus is 000 pounds, plus a 40 pounds basic bonus for winning. On average, Jiang Yuan can get more than 000 pounds for a league game, and nearly 5000 pounds for a Champions League game.

As long as Jiang Yuan can maintain his current goal scoring efficiency, it will not be difficult for him to buy a super luxury house in London in a few months.

Of course, in addition to the group stage, there is also a goal bonus for the Champions League knockout stage.

The knockout stage goal bonus is the same for all Chelsea players.

30 pounds for a goal!

If you score twice or a hat-trick in the knockout rounds, you can get £100 million per game, rounded up.

Of course, considering the difficulty of the Champions League knockout stage, these are just thoughts.

As early as last month, the team's owner Abramovich put forward his minimum requirements for Chelsea this season at the shareholders' meeting.

Top four in the league + top eight in the Champions League knockout stage.

Why is it the minimum requirement? Because if any of these two standards is not met, Mourinho will have to be sacked!

The rest of this season is the last chance Abramovich gives Mourinho out of friendship!
……

Leicester, England.

King Power Stadium.

"Zhuangdianertai, Zhuangdianertai!"

"Here is the live broadcast of the 15th round of the 16-16 Premier League match between Leicester City and Chelsea"

"The referee is looking at his watch!"

"The game has started. Now let me introduce the starting lineups of both teams! First up is the home team Leicester City!"

Leicester City (4-4-2)

Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel
Defenders: Danny Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs
Midfielders: Mahrez, Drinkwater, Walker, Kante, Albrighton
Forwards: Ulloa, Vardy
Head coach: Claudio Ranieri

"Then it's Chelsea, the visiting team. The starting goalkeeper is still the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who has just returned from injury!"

……

“When you’re smiling”

"When you're smiling... Snap!"

"The whole world smiles with you~"

"Clap clap clap!"

"..."

The applause and singing of the Foxes fans filled the entire King Power Stadium.

The enthusiasm of the Foxes fans is very high this season, and the reason is simple: Leicester City's performance this season is really good.

After 15 rounds, we are still first in the league.

Who the hell would believe this?
In the eyes of the current Foxes fans, they are the strongest team in the Premier League this season!

In front of the visiting team's bench, Mourinho put his hands in his pockets and paced back and forth near the sideline. From his frown, it can be seen that the Portuguese was not in a relaxed mood.

This is the first time Chelsea has faced Leicester City this season. Prior to this, Leicester City's record against the other five teams in the Premier League BIG6 was 5 wins, 3 draw and 1 loss, which is simply outrageous!
"Keep an eye on him, be careful of number 7!"

In sharp contrast to Mourinho's dullness was Ranieri, the Foxes coach, who used his hands and feet to frantically direct the game on the sidelines.

Looking at Ranieri, I just regret that I can't play on the field!
The director's camera was given to Jiang Yuan who was dribbling the ball. Albrighton and Vardy formed a diagonal line, trying to put pressure on Jiang Yuan at the same time. Jiang Yuan's handling of the situation was very simple. He passed the ball across the middle and gave it to William.

William ran forward with the ball, but was pushed away by Ulloa who rushed up, and Leicester City regained the ball!
"Here it comes! In the 3rd minute of the game, Leicester City forced William to make a mistake through the active steals by the frontcourt players, and now it is Ulloa who has the ball!"

"Ulloa passed the ball to the right, beautiful! This is a good pass, Mahrez received it very comfortably"

"Wow! Mahrez and Simpson's wall-to-wall combination!"

"This one-two was a beautiful move, with the full-back pressing forward to help Mahrez get to Chelsea's end line, and Azpilicueta moving forward to defend Mahrez alone."

"Mahrez made a cross pass! The target of the pass was Ulloa... Ulloa missed the ball!"

"Valdy!"

"Just take a long shot from the outside!"

The ball passed by Zouma's ear, Courtois pushed the ground with his left foot, jumped up and blocked Vardy's long shot.

Corner kick for Leicester City!
"so close……"

Jiang Yuan, who witnessed all this up close, breathed a sigh of relief.

He guessed that it would not be easy to beat Leicester City.

But I didn’t expect it to be so easy!

Leicester City's corner kick was taken by Kante, who, like Zouma, is French.

Snapped!
After the corner kick, Chelsea's penalty area fell into chaos. Jiang Yuan stared at Mahrez and used his excellent acceleration and reaction ability to control the Algerian.

Kante's corner kick went over Terry's head, made a tiny arc in the air, and flew accurately in front of Vardy. The latter jumped against Zouma's body and decisively headed the ball through Chelsea's goal defended by Courtois.

"GOOOOOO-AAAAAAAAA-LLLLLLLLLL!!!"

“Jamie Vardyyyyyyy!!!”

"Oh my God, what's going on, 4 minutes! Only 4 minutes into the game, Kante's corner kick assisted Vardy to score with a header!"

"This is Leicester City's second goal of the day!"

The commentator from CCTV5 burst into exclamations.

Everyone said that Leicester City was strong this season, but I didn’t expect them to be this strong.

The goal went through Chelsea's goal in 4 minutes. No other team has accomplished this feat this season!

"WOW~!"

Vardy is 28 years old this year, but after scoring the goal, he was like a happy child, running on the grass of the King Power Stadium, with Mahrez chasing him behind him.

"my question"

Zouma and Courtois high-fived and apologized. Courtois said nothing, but waved his hand to signal for the game to continue.

"Pa, pa, pa, hey! Cheer up!"

Terry played his role as captain on the field and inspired his teammates with his voice.

Chelsea only play two types of competition this season.

A game in which the opponent was at a disadvantage and a game in which the opponent won the game.

Today's match against Leicester City was an undisputed headwind.

"I asked Remi and Gary to go warm up together."

Brown came over, covered his mouth and whispered.

“Substitution is not the key”

Mourinho shook his head: "This is already the best lineup..."

So far, Leicester City players have performed slightly better than Chelsea players on the field. But no matter which position, Chelsea players are worth much more than Leicester City players.

His value crushes his opponent but he can’t beat them.

The reason is simple, the Blues players may have some problems with their tactical execution.

The game goes on!

"Come on, kill them!"

Jiang Yuan jogged to the center circle, ready to kick off with Costa.

After playing so many games against the odds, Jiang Yuan's mentality has been tempered.

Being one goal behind is nothing.

17th minute!

"Snapped!"

There was a crisp sound of hitting the ball, coming from the visiting team goalkeeper Courtois’ big kick!

"Courtois passed the ball directly to the front, Costa headed it back, Hazard caught the ball and walked inside with it."

"Willian was in the middle, he tried to create space for Hazard to run into, but failed!"

"Hazard chose to go on his own, very quickly!"

"Hazard fell to the ground, on the left side of the penalty area. Hazard fell to the ground in a confrontation with Mahrez. Let's see how the referee reacts."

"Free kick! Chelsea gets a free kick on the left. The position is not very good, but it is already within Jiang Yuan's shooting range!"

Hearing the referee's whistle, Hazard rolled twice on the grass and stood up.

He picked up the ball on the ground and walked straight towards Jiang Yuan.

"Jiang, it's up to you!"

Jiang Yuan took the ball from Hazard with a smile on his face:
“Reciprocity”

……

PS: There will be another one later.

(End of this chapter)