December 14, the 20th round of the English Championship.
Leicester City defeated Burnley 3-2.
This game expanded their lead to ten points.
As long as nothing unexpected happens, they will be stably promoted this season.
After the game, the players thanked the fans on the sidelines of the field, and the atmosphere was very warm.
They enjoyed the applause of the fans, and their ears were filled with the fans shouting their names.
There were also crazy female fans blowing kisses.
The boys were intoxicated.
They returned to the locker room in great moods. At this time, the coaching staff had returned.
In the locker room, Shakespeare had already posted the latest standings on the writing board.
The huge "10 points" was quite eye-catching.
"Boys! We are ten points ahead! You guys have done well!"
"Oh oh oh!"
The Leicester City boys cheered and clapped their hands to celebrate.
Pearson was also smiling on the side.
After a moment, Pearson slowly put away his smile. He looked around and looked at the players very seriously.
"Guys, I have something to ask you, and I want to get your opinions."
"Huh?"
The players were stunned.
The coach who always does things with confidence actually wants to listen to our opinions?
It's rare.
Pearson looked around, looked at his favorite players one by one, and slowly spoke.
"Our schedule is very tight during this period, one game every three days.
"In fact, according to my idea at the beginning of the season, I planned to give up the cup competition.
"I even wanted to let the youth team players go up and play.
"After all, our most important goal is the league championship and promotion to the Premier League.
"As for the cup competition, the probability of us winning it is too small.
"Anyway, it should be smaller than winning the league championship.
"If we can't win the cup, then no matter how far we go, it won't matter much.
"On the contrary, it may affect our league results, which is not worth the loss.
"But now, my thoughts have changed a little."
"Guys, you have performed very well this season, and everyone is in great shape."
"The few young men who joined the team have surprised me."
"The heroes who won the promotion to the Super League last season, you are still in excellent form.
"And now we have a strong team and we are leading the league in points.
"So, I have some ideas -
"Why don't we fight hard in the cup?
"Two reasons.
"First, you are excellent, I believe you have the ability and opportunity to go further.
"Second, if we go further, we will meet more Premier League teams and giants,
"The games with them will be quite popular,
"It is a good thing to have high popularity.
"This means that we will get a lot of ticket revenue and advertising revenue,
"It will be of great help to the team building, and you will also get a lot of bonuses.
"Another point is that with the popularity, each of you will have a brighter future.
"If you are spotted by a giant, I will definitely not stop you from looking for a better future,
"Of course, I still hope you remain with the team.
"This is the benefit of the cup.
"At the beginning of the season, I thought we should focus on the league,
"Now I think we can split our attention to the cup.
"However, if we fight on two or three fronts,
"It will definitely be a big challenge for each of you,
"Physical fitness is a big problem, and the pressure of the game is also a difficult situation to cope with.
"Now I want to hear your opinions.
"Do you want to keep the top position in the league steadily and focus your energy on the league,
"or do you want to try to play a few more cup games and compete with more Premier League opponents we will face next season?"
Pearson's voice had just fallen, and the impatient Konchesky patted his chest!
"We must beat them!"
"Who?"
"Those guys from the Premier League! Anyway, we will meet them sooner or later!"
"So, you are interested in the cup game?"
"Very~intersted~!"
"Okay! Who else has any ideas? Just say it."
Captain Morgan also stood up: "I don't want to give up the cup games either."
Vardy's eyes were firm: "I want to play every game well and take every opponent seriously!"
Schmeichel: "Our top position in the league is very stable, we can disperse our energy appropriately, I think it's okay."
Drinkwater: "I also want to go all out in the cup game! Coach, I have one more question, if Real Madrid takes a fancy to me, will you be willing to let me go?"
"Hahahaha! "
There was laughter in the locker room.
Pearson said unhappily: "Don't even mention Real Madrid. Even if Roma wants you, I will let you go!"
James: "This 'even if'... Will Roma feel offended..."
Most of the players expressed their agreement with fighting on three fronts.
Pearson nodded, and his eyes turned to Xia Xing.
"Xia, what do you think? You are now a very important offensive piece of the team."
Xia Xing smiled slightly, his face full of confidence.
"Coach, don't worry, there is absolutely no problem with my physical fitness. Even if I have to play two games in a week, I can definitely handle it!"
"Okay!"
Pearson clapped his hands: "Since you all agree, then we will take the devil's schedule seriously! Come on, boys! "
On December 14, they won against Burnley, took a day off, and resumed training on December 16.
They continued training on December 17.
On December 18, the entire Leicester City team set off to Manchester.
This time they were not accompanying several former Manchester United players to reminisce about the past, but to the Blue Space in Manchester.
In today's League Cup quarter-finals, Leicester City will face their opponent away - Manchester City!
On the bus to the away game, Drinkwater joked: "We have been fighting Manchester City recently. A few days ago we played against Burnley, which had several former Manchester City players, and now we meet the real Manchester City. "
Andy King: "How about it, are you confident?"
"Of course I am confident!" James patted his chest, "I will beat them to death!"
De Laet was also eager to fight: "I haven't played against Manchester City for a long time."
Liam Moore: "I just want to ask, have you played against Manchester City when you were in Manchester United? "
Silence.
Awkward silence.
James: "We played against Manchester City's youth team! They are just so-so!"
Liam Moore: "Very good, very good."
Schmeichel: "Please don't bring up things that are not related to the topic..."
Looking at the players chatting in the back row, Shakespeare was in a good mood: "It seems that these guys have a good mentality and are not nervous at all."
Pearson looked at the blue sky outside the window: "It would be best if they can still be so relaxed when they arrive at the Etihad Stadium."
Shakespeare: "No problem, I am optimistic about them!"
Pearson turned his head and saw Xia Xing who was two seats away.
Xia Xing was looking out the window, as if he was thinking about something.
Maybe he is thinking about the new task I assigned to him?
I hope he can do what I want today...
(End of this chapter)