Reborn in Football to Build Top Clubs from English League Two

“Opponents in the Premier League and European competitions will be more cunning,” Lin Feng’s eyes were deep. “We must be prepared for everything.”

On the training ground, the players were adapting to the new tactical system. De Bruyne’s role in the false nine system was particularly important; he needed to take on more responsibility in attack.

Coutinho, meanwhile, found a new position in the three-at-the-back system. As a wing-back, his speed and skill were better utilized.

“These changes will make us more unpredictable,” Henderson said, wiping sweat after training. “Opponents will never know what formation we’ll use.”

On October 15th, the League Cup fourth-round draw ceremony was held in London. Countless fans in front of their televisions were watching this moment.

The draw guest was England football legend Gary Lineker. When he drew Hartlepool United’s name from the pot, the entire studio fell silent.

“Hartlepool United’s opponent is…” Lineker paused, “Everton!”

A gasp erupted in the studio. This was another head-on clash between a lower-League team and a Premier League powerhouse.

“Goodison Park will host a wonderful showdown,” Lineker smiled at the camera. “Everton against Hartlepool United, this will be a very interesting match.”

When the news reached Hartlepool, the entire town erupted. Fans flocked to pubs and cafes, discussing the upcoming big match.

The Liverpool Echo’s reaction was the most intense. They ran a striking headline on their front page: “The Toffees will end the Boy Scouts’ fantasy journey!”

The report was full of doubts about Hartlepool United: “Their performance in the Championship is indeed excellent, but Goodison Park is a completely different battlefield. Tim Cahill’s headers, Mikel Arteta’s passes, these are not something Championship players can handle.”

But in Hartlepool United’s locker room, the atmosphere was completely different.

“Everton?” Vardy’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to compete against Cahill.”

Henderson clapped his hands: “Guys, this is our best chance to prove ourselves. Arteta, Fellaini, these are world-class players.”

De Bruyne and Coutinho exchanged smiles. For these two young talents, the opportunity to showcase their skills at Goodison Park was a dream come true.

After learning the draw results, Lin Feng immediately returned to his office. This draw was not a challenge for him, but an excellent opportunity to “prove them wrong.”

He activated the system’s [Opponent Deep Analysis] module, and all of Everton’s data instantly appeared on the holographic interface.

David Moyes’ tactical system was fully displayed. The Scottish coach’s preferred 4-4-1-1 formation, his tactical philosophy emphasizing midfield control and wing attacks, every detail was thoroughly analyzed by the system.

Arteta’s passing route map particularly caught Lin Feng’s attention. The Spanish midfielder’s passing accuracy and vision were world-class, and every one of his passes could be a deadly threat.

Cahill’s late runs were also marked as “deadly threats” by the system. The Australian midfielder’s heading ability and timing of late runs were the most important aspects of Everton’s offensive system.

“Interesting opponent,” Lin Feng said, looking at the dense data on the screen, a slight smile on his lips.

The system also provided more detailed information. Everton’s home winning rate, their tactical choices when facing lower-League teams, and even the psychological characteristics and technical attributes of each player.

This information gave Lin Feng a clearer understanding of the upcoming match. Everton was indeed a strong team, but they were not invincible.

Just as Lin Feng was analyzing the data, Moyes’ pre-match interview was being broadcast on television.

The Scottish coach sat in the Goodison Park press conference room, facing questions from numerous reporters. His expression was cautious yet confident, every answer carefully considered.

“We respect any team on a winning streak,” Moyes said with a heavy Scottish accent. “Hartlepool United’s performance in the Championship has indeed been excellent, and they have some very talented young players.”

The reporters were clearly not satisfied with such pleasantries. A journalist from The Times directly asked: “Do you think they have a chance to cause trouble at Goodison Park?”