Football: I can see player entries.

Chapter 62 Murphy's Determination

12 month 30 number.

In the final round of the first half of the Championship season, Burton Athletic will host Birmingham City.

Swansea City, currently in third place, failed to win this round. A victory in this match would have allowed them to overtake their rivals and move closer to securing a Premier League spot.

There were no changes in the starting lineup, and the formation remained 4-1-2-3.

This lineup has been used for half a season and is already Burton's most familiar tactic.

As for the contract renewal, Li Yanqing hasn't mentioned it to Murphy yet; it's not too late to discuss it after this game.

To avoid upsetting the players and affecting their performance.

"The defense has indeed become more solid."

"But the frequency with which the defensive midfielders participate in the attack has decreased significantly compared to before."

"Their offense is decent, but it's limited to counter-attacks; they lack conventional offensive options..."

Chris and Cheng Mengmeng were analyzing the game together, mainly focusing on Burton's own situation.

Our opponents, Birmingham City, are currently ranked outside the top fifteen and are very close to the relegation zone, so there's nothing to be afraid of.

It's basically a sure win.

They were just worried about the team's lack of firepower.

Before they started special training for the defensive midfielders, they would occasionally go up there.

But now they refuse to go to the front, for fear of losing their position.

"It's okay, we'll have Enzo for the next game."

Enzo's stats are impressive: [Intercept] plus [Master-level Cover], which allows Li Yanqing to confidently field a defensive midfielder.

This, combined with Nasri, would provide sufficient ball-handling and driving ability.

Just like Gattuso and Pirlo back then.

"Look, the one in black, and the one with the hood on the right side of the stands..."

Barker also sat on the coach's bench, a rare occurrence for him, watching the game while talking to Li Yanqing.

“Those people were doing similar things to Chris and his group.”

"They're all filming the players' matches, and some have already started recording data."

"They're basically all here for Murphy."

“These guys…” Li Yanqing stared at them through gritted teeth.

He had great faith in his own scout, Felchar, but he loathed scouts from other clubs.

The reason why small teams fail to develop is because they cannot retain their star rookies, and scouts from various clubs have made significant contributions to this process.

Of course, this applies to the head coach.

For most people, it is because of them that talented players are not overlooked.

Big clubs get talented players, small teams get money, and the players themselves have better development opportunities—it's a win-win situation.

But Li Yanqing's goal is not just to turn Burton into a football black market.

He once loved a team very much, Borussia Dortmund, a long-established powerhouse in the Bundesliga.

His dream during his playing days was to play there.

The Dortmund guards led by Klopp back then were extremely passionate, and their victory in the championship after nine years hit Li Yanqing's heart directly.

But the good times didn't last long. In less than three years, the Imperial Guard was dismantled and fell apart.

Lewandowski and Götze were poached by direct rivals Bayern Munich, and several key players left the team.

Since then, Dortmund has transformed into a notorious football club known for its shady practices.

Players like Mkhitaryan, Gundogan, and Aubameyang, who have proven their worth, have all transferred to other teams.

Recently, they also sold their star talent, Dembele.

Then they had nothing to do with the championship anymore.

Li Yanqing hopes that Burton's promotion to the Premier League is just the first step they have taken.

“I understand, and Robinson understands too, which is why I’m in this position.”

Barker nodded; they had gathered here precisely because they shared the same goal.

As they were talking, Murphy, who has been in excellent form recently, scored the first goal of the game.

Burton leads 1-0.

The goal was scored, but it made Li Yanqing's feelings even more complicated.

Their goal is to make Burton Albion a top club, but the players generally don't think so.

As things stand now, stories like Totti, Baresi, and Maldini, where one player represents one city and one team, are becoming increasingly rare.

Would Murphy want to stay here?

The match ended, and as expected, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Li Yanqing waited until he returned to the club and announced the team's disbandment before he called Murphy over alone.

"What is it, boss?"

"Is it because of the offer? Don't worry, I won't go to West Ham United."

"As long as the club doesn't agree to sell me."

Murphy was in a good mood and explained to Li Yanqing with a smile.

After shaking off his slump in the previous few games, he now feels particularly relaxed.

“I know, of course I know, I’ve already heard it from Barker.”

Li Yanqing nodded in response, then took a deep breath.

“Bakker means he wants you to sign a new contract with the club.”

"The salary will double, but the term of service will be changed to five years, and the penalty for breach of contract will also increase significantly."

"What I mean is, it's your decision—to sign or not to sign."

After thinking about it for a long time, he still believed that Murphy should make the decision himself.

"You know, a lot of teams are watching you now."

"If they extend an invitation to you, I'm not confident I can keep you here."

"So, you decide for yourself. My only requirement is that you cannot leave without a visa..."

"What are you thinking about, boss?" To Li Yanqing's surprise, Murphy's expression turned unexpectedly serious.

His words seemed to have angered the young man.

"I've spent four years in the youth academy, and now I've finally secured a starting position in the first team. Am I supposed to go to a big club as a substitute? Someone who only makes four or five appearances a season?"

"I won't leave here, as long as you're here, as long as Chris is here, Little Brooks..."

"Anyway, next season I'll be a starter in the top league, right?"

"As long as the club doesn't let me down, I won't let you down either!"

"I have no reason to leave here, boss!"

"Good lad! You want my spot for next season already?" Li Yanqing slapped Murphy on the chest.

He was very clear-headed and had no ideals such as "dreaming of becoming a child emperor".

I like the environment here and enjoy playing football for myself.

Li Yanqing finally felt relieved.

Is there anything else you’re not satisfied with?

"Of course you'll be a key player, I mean what I say!"

"Also, Barker should have the new contract almost ready; you can go directly to him..."