Hearing Milner’s name, Tang Long nodded slightly, "He’s indeed very dedicated, next year is the European Cup, who doesn’t want to lose their position at this time."
At the mention of the European Cup, Kolarov’s eyelids twitched slightly, immediately revealing heavy thoughts.
The weakest faction, with only two Portuguese speakers, was lightly brushed over by Kolarov, saying they were just playing on their own.
After hearing this, Tang Long realized that Kolarov’s statement covered all Manchester City players except Tang Long himself and Ranocchia, but did not mention Manchester City captain Kompany, nor Kolarov himself.
By not mentioning himself, perhaps he was withholding something, Tang Long could understand, but he had to figure out where Manchester City captain Kompany stood, so he further questioned Kolarov.
In response, Kolarov explained that Kompany is Belgian, speaks seven languages, can speak any language, and since he came to Manchester City in 2010, has served the team for seven years, has a good rapport, and has good relationships with club staff. Moreover, his skills are indeed outstanding, so he maneuvers among various factions and often acts as a mediator in disputes between them.
Ranocchia gave a bitter smile and said, "I know this feeling, captain, especially being a captain of a prestigious team, it’s always cleaning up the mess~"
The three talked for an hour, Kolarov also generally described the personalities and preferences of various teammates, and more.
He just spoke briefly, giving Ranocchia and Tang Long a rough impression.
Time passed quickly to eleven thirty, there was training the next day, so Kolarov tactfully took his leave.
Tang Long and Ranocchia remained seated in the café.
In late August in Manchester, even in summer, the nighttime temperature was only below 20 degrees.
Moonlight poured through the blue glass window onto their backs.
"Well, wasn’t this trip worthwhile?" Ranocchia said.
Tang Long seriously nodded, gave Ranocchia a thumbs-up.
"Very good captain, you’ve already delved into the depths, Kolarov’s explanation was very thorough."
"Haha, don’t forget I was the Inter captain—well, I used to be, I know sorting out the locker room factions is very important for new signings like us, it affects our future."
"But captain, there’s one thing I don’t understand, how did you find this Kolarov, why did he tell us these things, or what benefit does he get from saying them?"
Seeing Tang Long had nailed the issue, Ranocchia smiled indifferently and asked back:
"Did you notice, among Manchester City players, he exclusively didn’t mention himself."
"I noticed, but I didn’t ask, continue, haha!"
"Kolarov is marginalized at Manchester City, he’s Serbian, the only former Yugoslav player and even the only Eastern European in Manchester City."
"So he wants to band together with the two of us who speak Italian? That can be understood, now in the team, there are just the three of us who speak Italian, and Kolarov used to play in Serie A."
"That’s one reason, but not the main reason. Since last year, Pellegrini has intended to promote Klichy, replacing Kolarov in the starting left-back position. Kolarov is in crisis, and I told him, Tang, your arrival can change his crisis, suppress competitor Klichy."
The two talked under the moonlight in the café until half past midnight when they left after the waiter informed them of closing.
"What do they need, and what can you provide?" On the way back, Tang Long’s mind repeatedly played Berni’s words,
At Manchester City’s home game, they welcomed the second round of the Premier League match against West Brom.
In this round, Tang Long finally replaced Milner, appearing in the starting list for Manchester City!
Pellegrini said to him, "Tang, congratulations on your first start, last round I gave you 30 minutes, this round, I’ll give you 60 minutes, as you didn’t participate in our summer training, your stamina needs gradual recovery, do you have any objections to my decision?"
Tang Long made an OK gesture, "Thank you coach, 60 minutes is more than enough."
All 55,097 seats in the Etihad Stadium were full!
The Blue Moon fans finally welcomed their first home game!
Even before the match started, the fans took it upon themselves to organize a crowd wave.
The blue wave rolled across the stadium forming a vast ocean, they cheered passionately, shouted mightily, wanting to surge this wave higher, to engulf the visiting little West Brom, crash them onto the shore!