Football: The Journey of a Coach

60. The Experience of Ian Wright

"Daniel, from a team interest perspective, I think you should focus on the league! The league cup is a pity to miss!. But the truth is, you also need to have a clear understanding. With all due respect, if you continue like this, you can fall at the beginning of any game!"

"Of course relegation doesn't matter, but promotion and the league Cup championship might be two you can't get one of them!" Ian Wright advises in earnest.

" Mister Wright, your advice is good

But now be honest Mr. Wright ... do you think we are willing to give up ?!" Daniel asked Wright.

He understood what Ian Wright was trying to say. Upgraded to a Premier League team, the team will get more attention. Frankly, it is everyone's wish.

How much prize money can Crsytal Palace earn after winning the league Cup?. How much exposure and sponsorship can a team gain by playing in the Europa League?. None of these two competitions have earned as much income and attention as the teams will get after promotion to the English premier league.

Now that Ian Wright thinks his advice is too late, Daniel's words do make him think a lot more. Yes, at the moment the team has reached the semi-finals of the league cup. Who among the players who want to give up easily?, even though in the first leg they have been beaten three goals by Tottenham Hotspur.

"Yes, no one wants to give up, so let's do it! I've got a hunch now, I think you'll give us more surprises this season! Maybe the league cup and promotion will be the best of both. "

" I can only say the team and the coaching staff will try their best to make it happen. " Daniel straightforwardly said, he doesn't want many people to be too hopeful.

***

Dinner was held at the Selhurst Park stadium restaurant, and eventually the players got the chance to meet Ian Wright, who was very busy.

In Daniel's memory and concept, the players' eating habits are an important part of promoting the players' fitness. Cristiano Ronaldo can still score in such old age and maintain a perfect state, which is inseparable from his good eating habits.

But now Daniel will not force nutritious food at Crystal Palace. Not to mention that he himself was not good at regulating the diet, he was worried that these players would find it hard to accept. This is how English football is now, the pressure on teams is relatively high at this stage, which is rather appropriate drinking a little wine can also play a relaxing role in night life.

Therefore, today's dinner there is also wine, and there is more than one type.

"I advise everyone to drink less, Don't forget tomorrow there is still exercise. If it's too late, you all know what's going to happen!" In the Neil Warnock era there were rules for players who came late to the training ground, and they were fined.

During his coaching days, there were also some players who were late, but that was just a few cases.No player dared to show up and was deliberately late every day, but regardless of the situation, the rules were the rules, Daniel never bargained with those who were late, and they were all fined.

Emphasizing "discipline" in drinking, Daniel officially welcomed Ian Wright on behalf of the team.making the impression that Ian Wright's visit to the team was temporary and not invited by the club.

"I've been wanting to come here for a long time!. Guys, you guys are really doing a good job! It can even be said to be very good! I'm proud of you!" Ian Wright spilled his boasting words.

There was an arrogant expression on the faces of the players, there was even a whistle.

"Just in a few months, guys, look at you! The league cup has reached the semi-finals, and now we are just two games away from the top six. I don't mean to brag, I think you've let the world's outsiders Glasses be broken!"

"The outside world says that Daniel has contributed a lot! But let me tell you. But you are the person I admire the most. No matter how good Daniel is, he cannot play on the pitch. Are both of his legs right ?!"

The players blatantly "sarcasm" head coach Daniel, and the players burst into laughter.

“Ian, can you tell us about the story against Manchester United that year?!” “Undercover” Speroni asked loudly.

“Against Manchester United?! Which match?!” Wright was confused.

"All right, please! Don't make me remember that game again, it's a bad memory!" Wright pretended to be embarrassed.

"Dear, tell everyone! I'm curious too, and I'm a newcomer too!"

It was originally planned, Wright was specifically invited by Wayne Collins to talk about the final, such as the atmosphere of the final, and to convey his experience in the final, as defeat was also a step forward.

Player growth is certainly the biggest dependency on themselves, but it would be best to have old players to help them, at least to avoid a detour.

Ian Wright's last experience was also very important to everyone. Whether he's a player or a witness, or a Crystal Palace celebrity can be trusted.

Although Crystal Palace have only entered the semi-finals of the league cup and have not entered the final, but against Tottenham Hotspur this time is a match comparable to the final.   

“Although in my personal opinion Manchester United was not as strong as it is now, but they remain strong opponents!”    

"Mr Wright, I would like to ask if you would be nervous before the game?!" Unexpectedly, Kante was the first to ask a question. Kante's English isn't very good at the moment, and he's doing it slowly.  

"N'Golo, don't be so nervous! You can call me Ian!. I've been following you for a long time! " Alan Wright laughed, but he didn't tell a lie.

In this half of the season Kante played very well, and now many scouts from various big teams are showing up in the stands to check out this Crystal Palace youngster. 19-year-old Kante is certainly a good prospect for them.

But in contrast to Kante, Nathan Clyne and Ryan Shawcross who also appear regular half this season, also showed good performances. Both of them, who are local English players, have been hailed by local media as future successors of the England national team.

Ian Wright was also skeptical at first, but Crsytal Palace's youngster's performance was too brilliant not to glance at them. He hopes that in the future these players will still play at Selhurst Park, and not be hunted by other big teams.

Kante showed his white teeth shyly, what Kante asked was probably what everyone wanted to ask, even though everyone knew that they would definitely be nervous

They have played a lot of games before, but for the important games they are still very nervous.

"The next day, standing in the tunnel, my legs were shaking! " I keep telling myself that it's just a normal game, get on the field, run for a while, and the tension will go away! "

"I think we played that game really well!. It's just maybe a little worse than them! But I'm sure if we can do it again, I think we can beat them then! " Alan Wright told me about the experience at the time.

Manchester United were at a bad stage at the time. Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United without a title for three years, and their desire for a champion was huge.

Daniel who watched the video, he did admit it was one of those amazing games.

The whole dinner lasted a long time. Wright told the people at Crystal Palace what he knew and felt. Daniel is happy that everyone has to gain a lot of experience, which is great.

"Thank you Ian!. " After they broke up, Daniel shook hands with Ian Wright to express his gratitude.

"It's nothing! Daniel's! Besides, I really wanted to come and see her early, just because of time..." Wright laughs.

"Then you are welcome to come often in the future! You know you're still respected by everyone here!"

Ian Wright is indeed very popular among Crystal Palace fans, in the selection of the club's best player of the last twenty years, Ian Wright was elected without any tension at all.