Football: I can see player entries.

Chapter 173 When the Passion Gradually Cools Down

"Li, you need to take it easy."

"We don't have much money for transfers during the winter."

"We also overspent during the last transfer window..."

Barker had some reservations about Lars Bender's transfer.

The player's market value is estimated to be around 35 million, but the timing of the purchase was not ideal, hence the premium.

He's already offered 40 million, and I estimate he'll raise it a little more in the end.

If you include the players' salaries, the expenses are close to 45 million.

"Haven't you already made back that money?"

Li Yanqing did not think he had spent a lot.

"Our results are worthy of the club's investment, aren't they?"

"Besides, the team has superstar players. If you're still losing money, then there must be something wrong with your job."

“They definitely made a profit,” Buckle paused, then reminded him.

"But have you forgotten what Chris said?"

"The club also needs to save money to build a new stadium."

"Robinson is already looking for sponsors; they'll give you basically everything except shares."

"That's an astronomical sum; I estimate we'll have to take out a loan in the end."

"It's already quite generous of us not to let you make money by selling players..."

"In short, the budget for this winter transfer window is only fifty million."

"You can't just replace one person, can you?"

Barker said this because Burton's first team currently only has twenty players.

This also includes the youth team's backup goalkeeper and Karius, who just joined the team.

Maintaining a player count of 24 to 25 is considered normal for top-tier league clubs.

"Don't worry about that."

"If all else fails, I'll just promote a few more young people."

"It should be enough for the second half of the season."

"But now the players who start buying must be able to improve the team's strength."

Li Yanqing was very firm in his stance on this matter. With him around, it was unlikely that the camp would be filled with wounded soldiers.

It's fine if there are fewer people.

"The transfer fee should be enough to buy Lars Bender."

"Keep the team's existing framework, and leave the rest to me."

"I am the team's head coach..."

Barker didn't continue speaking, mainly because he was afraid that Li Yanqing would overspend by tens of millions more, which he, as the manager, couldn't accept at all.

As long as he agrees not to overspend, he won't bother with anything else.

Two days later.

Li Yanqing was sitting on the training field, looking at the team's schedule for the second half of the season.

The first match is against Chelsea, who have won the last two games against them.

Their style of play, like Liverpool's, is very effective against Burton.

In fact, Chelsea's current tactical direction is similar to theirs, but the opponent's configuration in every position is stronger than theirs.

This is really frustrating.

Even with all my strength, it seems difficult to win, but if I lose again, I'll soon be suppressed by the opponent's bloodline.

Next up is the FA Cup third round, followed by league matches against Everton, Leicester City, Manchester City...

Li Yanqing has given up on the idea of ​​going head-to-head with Chelsea.

Instead of wasting their form against the top six teams, they should focus on securing wins against Everton and Leicester City.

If we don't win, it's not too late to go for it against Manchester City.

At least Burton's players have some experience dealing with them.

Just as he was racking his brains, Ferchard, who had traveled to Madrid, finally received news.

He rushed to the Real Madrid club, but was unable to meet the player in person.

He was sitting on the roadside, looking dejected, when he dialed Li Yanqing's number.

“You’re right, Lee.”

"They are not interested at all."

“That’s normal.” Li Yanqing glanced at Peipei on the training field.

If he knew about this, he would most likely laugh at Felchar's wild idea...

"I just want to sign a big deal."

Fairchar was somewhat disappointed; he felt that even if he stayed at Burton for another two years, he wouldn't be able to achieve his goal.

No top-tier club can be built in just two years.

"You're a scout, Phil!"

Why are you always thinking about signing big deals?

"Your skill lies in getting the players you sign sold off by the club for a high price!"

Li Yanqing had actually wanted to say this for a long time.

Did the other party get their direction wrong?

"No, you don't understand, Li."

"Although what you say makes a good scout."

"But signing a big deal is the dream of everyone like me."

"This represents my status in the club, allowing me to authorize very large orders."

"understand?"

“Okay.” Li Yanqing understood.

This guy is all about saving face.

So, are you going to stay for another two years?

"It takes time for a club to grow."

"I am not God, I cannot directly turn this place into a top team."

"To be honest, I don't know if you'll be able to land the big deal you want in two years."

"But I still want to ask you to wait."

"You can't just retire like this, can you?"

Li Yanqing didn't believe that the veteran scout was content with being alone, given that Cristiano's name was included in the plans submitted to him.

“It’s not just you, Phil.”

"Every player and coach cherishes their own dream."

“Where you call this ‘chicken soup’? Right?” Felchar gave a wry smile.

"You'd be better off using that approach on those young players."

"For me, if I can't finish it, I can't finish it."

"No matter what, I won't do it again, Lee."

"I've thought it through very clearly."

At this point in the conversation, Li Yanqing didn't know how to respond.

This veteran scout is determined to retire.

"Anyway, thank you."

"The team has become what it is today thanks to you."

"I never thought I would have such delusions one day."

"Hmm... that's fine then."

Felchar hung up the phone, guessing that Li Yanqing would never hear from him again.

It may seem like it doesn't matter, but before that, the other party had been working hard for a full twenty years.

When passion gradually cools and dreams remain distant, most people will give up.

This is just a normal choice.

Li Yanqing also expressed respect for his decision.

But at this moment, he felt that the team absolutely had to win a championship trophy.

It doesn't matter what kind of championship it is.

Players work hard for a long time, but if they don't achieve honors, they will gradually become indifferent to their ideals, just like old Phil.

At that point, football will just be their job.

Li Yanqing did not want to see this happen.

"Old Phil just told me he's planning to retire, is that right?"

Does the club need to hire new scouts?

Barker received the news first and then consulted his head coach.

"keep the change."

"Let Kevin do it."

"I'll have John and the others take charge of finding players as well."

"Also, remember to get Old Phil's new contact information. I'd like to have him handle an important transfer when the opportunity arises in the future..."