Chapter 18

Manuel Luis Pellegrini, nicknamed the "Chilean Engineer," earned this moniker because he once obtained a civil engineering certificate, meaning he was indeed a genuine engineer. However, for fans, the nickname "Engineer" more often describes the solid coaching philosophy of the Chilean coach.

When it comes to inspiring figures in football, the translator-turned-coach José Mourinho is often the top choice. In recent years, no one in European football has had a more astonishing rise than the Special One. However, in reality, compared to Mourinho's almost unreal magic, Pellegrini's success is actually a more relatable and inspiring story. Starting in South American football, Pellegrini had a bumpy start, moving between clubs in Chile. It wasn't until he took charge of San Lorenzo in Argentina that his coaching career began to stabilize and he quickly rose to the top of South American football. He then moved to River Plate, helping the traditional powerhouse reclaim its championship. In 2004, he came to Europe to coach Villarreal, and the "Yellow Submarine" began to make a name for itself in European football...

This is Pellegrini's journey so far, but Lin Sen also knows that in the future, the Chilean will go on to coach Real Madrid, Malaga, and Manchester City in the Premier League. Success, setbacks, proving himself, and then success again... This is a truly inspiring story. Pellegrini is like a phoenix, always rising from the ashes. However, this is not what Lin Sen admires most about Pellegrini. Life is like this: falling down, getting up, falling down again, and getting up again. Unless you are dead, you will always get up and continue moving forward. What is particularly admirable is that Pellegrini can always humble himself and build his empire brick by brick, like a mason. Not all coaches can come out of the grand edifice of Real Madrid and then bend down to work in a messy construction site to rebuild their dreams.

If he had a choice, Lin Sen would not want to face Pellegrini at this moment, at least not in this match. Although Lin Sen spoke sincerely and profoundly at the pre-match press conference, saying that for the current Atletico Madrid, the opponent doesn't matter; what matters is that Atletico must first overcome itself.

However, if he could choose his opponent, Lin Sen would really hope his opponent was in a worse state, preferably with a full team of injured players and a demoralized team. Since there is no choice, the unfortunate Atletico Madrid, as the underdog, must fight to get out of the water. Anyone who wants to attack must be prepared to fight to the death and take a few bites.

In the 2007-08 season, in the 34th round of La Liga, Villarreal hosted Atletico Madrid.

"If Atletico loses this match, they will set a record for the longest losing streak in their history; if they concede more than three goals, they will set a record for the most goals conceded in a single season before the season even ends; if they don't score in this match, they will set a record for the fewest goals scored in 40 matches, combining this season and the previous one; if..." The commentator's series of rhetorical questions were passionate, but the content made all the Atletico Madrid fans in the bar turn from red to black to white.

Even the most optimistic Atletico fans had little hope for this match. The commentator's "ifs" were very likely to become reality after the match. The current second-place Villarreal had not given Barcelona much trouble this season, let alone the current Atletico Madrid.

The match hadn't even started, but a pile of sunflower seed shells had already accumulated on Bal's table, and he had already downed several cans of beer. Frank, who had walked over from the counter to sit with Bal, looked at him helplessly. Once fans become passionate, there is no rationality that can restrain them. At this moment, it's best not to provoke them. For Bal, the current Atletico was like a wife who had been stripped down to her last line of defense, and he had to watch with his eyes wide open.

"Was it you who did that a few days ago?" Frank took a sip of beer, breaking the silence.

"Hmph." Bal snorted, not knowing whether it was an acknowledgment or a refusal to answer.

"That's not good." Frank shook his head. "But we are fans, not hooligans. What you did won't help. You know Jimmy hates this the most."

"Don't mention Jimmy. Aren't there football hooligans too?" Bal snorted again.

Frank was at a loss, even football hooligans had come up, it seemed his old friend was really upset by Atletico.

"It's just bad luck, coming to the wrong place at the wrong time and in the wrong role." Bal looked up at the big screen hanging in the air and said in a rough voice, "If he knows what's good for him, he'll leave early."

"Not necessarily. The changes in the midfield in the last match were quite creative. I don't think you didn't notice."

"Being creative is useless. Does he listen to him? Even if he cripples the opponent's wings, what about the attack? If the attack isn't solved, can you win without scoring?"

"But it has to be done step by step, right?"

"Atletico doesn't have the time for him to do it step by step, and he doesn't have the time either."

When two fans get together, especially if they are old fans, their conversation easily turns into a discussion, and discussions easily turn into arguments. Even Ferguson himself would be hard-pressed to avoid being called a football ignoramus in front of them.

"Let's make a bet." Unable to stand Bal's stubbornness, Frank finally got angry and said, "On this match."

"What, do you think that kid can win?" Bal sneered, "Sure, not only winning, but not losing by two goals counts as a win. I'll bet you the pair of Agüero's signed boots you collected last time, perfect for my grandson, to train him as a successor."

"Deal!" Frank drank his beer in one gulp, "Let's bet. If you lose, I don't want anything from you, just follow Bal's advice and quit AAA!"

"Deal!"

"Deal!"

---

Are the nobles and generals born to rule?

When Pellegrini, with a polite smile, came over to shake hands, Lin Sen was very clear about the silent cry in the heart of this gentle and refined man. The gap between Villarreal and the top of the table, Real Madrid, was not too large, only five points. Catching up five points in five matches seemed to depend on Real Madrid making mistakes, but it was not a reason to give up.

Lin Sen and Pellegrini had a common point: both had a legitimate profession before becoming coaches. This might be why Pellegrini was so friendly to Lin Sen. In this regard, perhaps no one understood