Halfway through the new season, Chelsea's performance had attracted widespread attention.
As the defending champions, they ranked second in the standings, just behind Manchester City, and remained a formidable force.
At this crucial juncture, captain Su Luo understood the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
To ensure that the team maintained its peak competitive form, Su Luo raised the intensity of training.
"We need to work harder to face the challenges that could come at any moment,"
he told his teammates in the locker room.
So, Su Luo began calling for morning training sessions at 6 a.m.
"Running is the best way to build physical fitness."
He led the team on long-distance runs, with his teammates closely following behind.
After the run, Su Luo organized strength training sessions, including sit-ups and pull-ups, to build explosive power.
At noon, the team focused on group scrimmages and passing/receiving drills to improve their technical coordination.
"Our teamwork needs to reach a level of complete understanding," Su Luo often reminded them, frequently correcting their movements.
In the afternoon, they played simulated matches to improve tactical adaptability.
"You must stay focused at all times and adjust your strategies based on the opponent," Su Luo instructed as he directed movement on the pitch.
In the evening, Su Luo also conducted extra training with several young players, focusing on their awareness and technical precision.
"As a senior, it's my responsibility to help you grow," he said, patiently guiding them.
Under Su Luo's leadership, daily training volume and intensity reached unprecedented levels.
Yet no one complained — on the contrary, they pushed themselves willingly because they knew Su Luo was doing it for the team's success.
"Captain Su Luo gives us the greatest motivation and confidence," said new signing Neymar.
"I feel like I've improved a lot under his guidance," another young player added.
Thanks to Su Luo's example, the Chelsea squad maintained high morale as they prepared for the rest of the season.
Everyone believed: as long as Su Luo was on the team, Chelsea would never falter. He was their leader and their spiritual core.
Under his leadership, the Blue Army would march forward with pride and strength — aiming to be champions once again.
On this day, Chelsea faced their arch-rivals, Manchester United, in an away match.
The game was fierce right from the kickoff, with both sides exchanging attacks intensely.
In the 20th minute, during an aerial duel, Manchester United midfielder Wayne Rooney and Chelsea captain Su Luo both jumped for a header.
They collided mid-air, and Su Luo landed heavily, visibly in pain. His right leg showed signs of muscle strain.
"Team doctor! Hurry!" Chelsea players shouted in concern.
Su Luo limped off the field for treatment.
"Everyone, stay calm — I'll be back soon,"
he told his teammates before leaving the pitch.
But without Su Luo, Chelsea began to lose their structure and rhythm. Manchester United gradually took control of the match.
In the second half, the problem became even clearer. Without their midfield anchor, Chelsea struggled to organize effectively.
Lukaku and Hazard couldn't find their usual rhythm and failed to threaten United's defense.
In the end, Chelsea lost 1–3.
"If Su Luo had played, things wouldn't have gone this badly," the players said helplessly after the match.
A post-match examination confirmed that Su Luo had suffered a muscle strain and would be sidelined for at least two weeks.
This was undoubtedly a heavy blow for Chelsea.
Sure enough, in the following matches, Chelsea struggled without Su Luo's leadership and organization.
They nearly lost to newly promoted sides from the Championship.
Even against mid-to-lower-table teams, they suffered unexpected defeats.
After several rounds, Chelsea had slipped out of the top four.
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