[Turmoil in the Barnett Agency Empire: Vice President, Finance Minister, Deputy Finance Minister, and Three Executive Board Members Dismissed!]
[Sources Say Honorary Director Leo Lin Has Been Rewarded with a Promotion and Will Also Serve as Acting Inspector General of the Board, While Former Executive Director of the Supervisory Department Lucia, Having Rendered Meritorious Service During the Crisis, Has Been Appointed Vice President of the Board by Barnett!]
With one more title to his name, Leo Lin's authority had now expanded to the point where he could oversee every action taken by every board member.
Leo Lin had truly become an important figure within the Barnett Agency. He could even supervise and manage Barnett's conduct, operating independently from every minister and vice president.
After helping Barnett settle such a major crisis, Leo Lin returned home.
Maria looked at Leo Lin, who was clearly exhausted, and went over to hug him.
Leo Lin held Maria and rested his head on her shoulder. No matter when it happened, being comforted by the person you loved after coming home was always the best way for a man to regain his strength.
Leo Lin did not want to get involved in this matter, but he realized that, without even noticing, he had already become far too involved in the Barnett Agency's affairs.
Only football could make Leo Lin happy. On January 31, in round 23 of the Premier League, Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 4-2, continuing to lead the table. They were now as many as eight points ahead of Manchester City behind them.
Leo Lin scored one goal before Klopp substituted him in the 66th minute.
Klopp rested several key players in this match, because Liverpool were about to play the rescheduled Community Shield final.
Before the new season began, there had been a dispute with the sponsors. The sponsors wanted to change the Community Shield format by adding a semifinal stage, turning it into a chaotic battle among four of the Premier League's strongest teams. But that proposal was opposed by Premier League fans.
After lengthy discussions between the FA and the sponsors, they finally reached an agreement. The competition would still follow its original format, while the sponsors would add another £200,000 to the prize money. Though for the clubs, that was basically the same as no increase at all.
On February 2, the Community Shield final resumed as a make-up match. Last season's Premier League winners and runners-up would face off, Liverpool against Manchester City.
"After the winter transfer window, Manchester City brought in more powerful players. Their overall setup is extremely strong now."
"Since Liverpool signed Alisson, their style of play has also become more varied. Over the past several matches, we've all seen the changes Alisson has brought to Liverpool. His excellent shot-stopping and steady distribution from the back have been a huge help to the team."
"Although against Crystal Palace, Alisson tried a Cruyff turn and failed. He played with fire, got dispossessed by the opposition, and ended up costing the team a goal."
"But Klopp said after the match that he admired Alisson's courage. He only hoped Alisson would stop trying things that made his heart jump out of his chest."
"Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is also from Brazil, just like Alisson, and Ederson has also had moments this season where he played with fire at the back, was dispossessed, and gave away a goal."
"I have to say, this may be a common problem with attacking goalkeepers right now!"
Scholes and Gullit were discussing the upcoming Community Shield final. Liverpool had already reached the EFL Cup final, and now, as long as they won the Community Shield, they would claim their first trophy of the season.
Liverpool and Manchester City were both preparing for the final in peak condition. However, Ederson's sudden injury forced Manchester City to start the young Muric.
February 2, Wembley Stadium.
The Community Shield final was about to begin.
Gullit tapped the starting lineup introduction button, bringing up another 3D lineup presentation. Advanced technology was helping fans enjoy the match even more.
"For Manchester City, aside from the young Muric starting in goal, the rest of the lineup is extremely strong. Bernardo Silva starts on the right wing."
"Sterling is on the left wing, while Gündoğan starts in midfield as the defensive midfielder. That could be a variable. At center back, Laporte partners Kompany. That is a very strong pairing."
"Liverpool's lineup is also powerful. All the familiar stars are starting: Salah, Robertson, Rodri, Henderson, and of course, Lin!"
"Who will be the first to win the opening trophy of the season?"
Across the major live streams, fans had already pulled up their virtual seats, waiting for the match to start.
Henderson and Kompany led both sets of players onto the pitch. The referee was England's famous official, Oliver.
Leo Lin walked at the back of the line as they entered Wembley Stadium. He was already very familiar with this ground. After all, Liverpool had lifted two trophies here last season.
Manchester City's powerful lineup took shape in the opposite half. With a crisp whistle, the match officially began.
"Fans, the match is underway. You are watching the 2018-19 Community Shield final, and this match is a rescheduled fixture!"
"After improving their squad, Manchester City will definitely be hoping to beat Liverpool and win the trophy!"
After kick-off, Manchester City stuck to their possession-based approach. Guardiola had said long ago that he would never change the type of football he played.
But Muric was a major variable. Compared with Ederson, his ability was clearly lacking.
Liverpool were also taking advantage of Muric's youth and inexperience. Firmino stayed near the penalty area the whole time. As soon as a Manchester City player dared to pass back to Muric, he would immediately press forward and try to force him into a mistake.
In the 12th minute!
"Liverpool are pressing very aggressively, and they're positioned high up the pitch. Against Manchester City, Liverpool have kept attacking with real boldness. Compared with other teams, they clearly aren't afraid of Manchester City's strength."
Leo Lin followed behind Firmino. His target was to stop Gündoğan from receiving the ball.
Leo Lin did not think Gündoğan could play as a lone defensive midfielder, but Guardiola had placed him there anyway. That might become his opportunity.
"Walker carries the ball down the flank and adjusts, but there's no space ahead. He plays it back to Kompany, then back again."
"Manchester City's passing is risky. It goes to Muric!"
Kompany passed back to Muric, and Firmino immediately charged at him. Muric looked a little nervous, but he did his best to stay calm and quickly moved the ball to Laporte.
Laporte was also facing pressure head-on, with Salah rushing him down. Left with no choice, he had to send the ball out to the right and find Mendy.
Since Salah was pressing Laporte, Mendy should have had room to carry the ball. But just as he controlled it, Rodri appeared in front of him.
Mendy was forced to kick forward. The ball struck Rodri's leg and bounced out of play, barely earning Manchester City a throw-in.
"That was nearly stolen!"
"If Mendy had been even a fraction slower, Rodri would have had a chance to win the ball."
"Liverpool have changed the way they press in this match. Rodri is moving out wide from midfield to challenge, while Salah enters the box and presses the center backs together with Firmino!"
"Leo Lin is restricting Gündoğan. That forces De Bruyne and David Silva to drop deeper to help the team play out from the back. Otherwise, they can only launch the ball forward with long clearances."
"But aerial balls are not Manchester City's comfort zone. If they go long, they definitely won't beat Liverpool's midfielders in the air. Whether it's Rodri or Van Dijk, Liverpool have a clear height advantage!"
"Klopp's new pressing setup is working very well!"
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
p-@-treon/GhostParser (65 Chapters Ahead)
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.