Before officially facing Arsenal, York City still has five League One games to play.
And these five games are in the most troublesome Christmas schedule!
Especially from December 26 to January 2, York City must play three games within these six or seven days.
This is because York City has "strategically" given up on the League Cup and the British Championship.
Otherwise, starting from December 10th, they may have to face a schedule of double or even three games a week.
For a English League One team, if they keep from being eliminated in every cup competition, the schedule for the year will definitely be more frequent than that of the Premier League team.
There are a total of 24 teams in the English League One who play 46 league games every year, plus the League Cup, FA Cup, and English Championship... while the Premier League teams only have 38 league games.
There is also a more important reason, that is, the Premier League match schedule is usually scheduled to end in mid-to-late May, while the English League One often ends in late April, because the English League One will also have upgrades later. race.
More games must be completed in a shorter period of time, so the English League One also needs to arrange more games during the winter break, and has become the busiest league - the English Championship also has 24 teams. They also need to play in the play-offs, but they don't need to play in the British Championship.
In this regard, York City can only work hard to move forward.
Now the second place Scunthorpe is still chasing closely. If they can win as much as possible in these five games before and after the Christmas schedule, they can widen the points gap between them.
But if you think so, it’s still quite difficult to do it.
After York City had a busy schedule in October and November, by the end of November, the team actually had some physical problems.
Especially the veterans on the team.
Goalkeeper Isaksson and defender Westerman were better, but Swedish veteran Carlström, as the core of the midfield, was a bit unable to withstand it.
Coupled with his leadership role on the court, almost starting every midfielder in the league, and the midfielder position requires more movement than other positions, which caused Karlstrom's body to be a bit overdrawn.
Finally, he fell to the ground without resistance during a recent training, and was finally diagnosed with a thigh muscle strain. He will be out for 2-3 months, which will also cause Karlström to miss the FA match with his old club Arsenal. cup competition.
The captain's injury also caused a slight change in the mentality of the York City players. In the next league match against Milton Keynes, they lost 1:2, their first defeat of the season!
Milton Keynes was formerly known as the "Crazy Gang" Wimbledon. They were still competing in the English Championship last season and their strength was still good. They also caused considerable trouble for York City in the game.
York City's performance in this game was actually not bad. They were a little negligent at the beginning and were attacked by Milton Keynes and scored a goal. However, through the team's efforts, they quickly regained the score.
After that, York City launched a fierce counterattack against Milton Keynes, but the team always seemed to miss the goal. Especially Baker and Amon, who have become more and more brave recently, failed to score. On the contrary, the opponent counterattacked but Scored!
York City took 20 shots in the game, 10 of them were on target, and scored 1 goal. Milton Keynes took 10 shots in the game, and 5 of them were on target, which was exactly half of York City's number, but they scored two goals.
In an interview with the media after the game, Scaloni said that the defeat in this game was due to the team's bad luck, because York City had all the advantages in the game, but lacked luck and was never able to seize the opportunity. Score a goal.
Faced with the media's doubts that York City's state has declined, Scaloni did not deny it.
He believes that the season is long and a team's status will inevitably fluctuate and decline is normal, but he believes the team can weather the storm.
Pan Yi was also interviewed by the media the next day, but he publicly stated that he believed the team lost at the right time.
Now is just the beginning of a battle. A defeat can allow the team to completely let go of the burden of being undefeated and prepare for the upcoming sprint in a better state. He believes in the head coach and players and believes that they can survive this most difficult period. schedule.
"But some people say that York City spent too much energy on the FA Cup, which affected the English League One. If they continue to insist on two-front operations, I am afraid they will end up with nothing after the season!" Immediately! A reporter expressed his opinion.
Pan Yi smiled and said: "I don't deny this situation, but what I want to say is that our team performed very well in the FA Cup, and I am proud of the players. Our first goal this season is Upgrade, but if the head coach and players are eager to go further in the FA Cup, then I will definitely support it! Well, in fact, I don’t want my team to surrender when they see Arsenal..."
"But I feel that the current team's lineup is really difficult to withstand the consumption of such a schedule. After Karlström was injured, are you prepared to make additions in the winter window?"
Pan Yi replied calmly: "I originally thought that the team's current staffing was very good, so there was no need to make any more signings. Now the midfield is indeed a bit short of manpower. I will take another look and if there is a suitable candidate, I will take action. of."
This is mainly because Karlstrom's position is important to the team.
The current team's midfielders are all young players like Rice and Kulusevski, who are inexperienced and sometimes impatient. When there are no veterans on the field to lead them, they often play more and more chaotically.
Now that Karlstrom is injured, Pan Yi really needs to find someone to supplement him.
Of course this is not an easy task.
It is really difficult to find a player who is as capable and experienced as Karlström and who is willing to come to League One to "help the poor".
So Pan Yi really has to think about it carefully and then go to the transfer market to see if he can make a face or something.
At the same time, more of the team's affairs are left to Scaloni and his coaching staff.
Next, they face Port Vale at home, which is another head-to-head match.
York City players still seemed to be in a sluggish state. Although they played at home and had an advantage, they were eventually tied 1:1 by Port Vale.
After the game, news came that Scunthorpe had won, and York City was tied with Scunthorpe's points!
York City has 13 wins, 8 draws and 1 loss, with 47 points, while Scunthorpe has 14 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses, also with 47 points!
Although York City still tops the list due to their goal difference, this position is already in jeopardy based on their recent form.
However, when being interviewed by the media, everyone, whether it was the players or the head coach, including the club officials, all agreed that although the team's current predicament is difficult, it can be overcome, and the team's performance will be better and better in the future. The better.
The top and bottom were united, and everyone was united, which surprised many people who were prepared to see conflicts after York City encountered difficulties.
Because they did not see York City players complaining in the media. On the contrary, everyone was united and believed that the team's situation would definitely improve!
——
After Christmas, York City ushered in a crucial game, away to South Alliant.
If they fail to win this campaign, their position in the standings is likely to be surpassed by Scunthorpe.
To make matters worse, Sheffield United, who are ranked third, are also pressing hard. They were originally only 3 points behind the top two teams. After winning the first game and winning, they have already tied York in points. City and Scunthorpe.
This is something more terrifying than losing the League One championship, because if they are caught up by Sheffield United, it means that York City will fall into the promotion play-off zone between 3-6 places!
Therefore, York City also attaches great importance to it, and Scaloni also sent all the main players in the game.
In the midfield position, under Pan Yi's suggestion, Scaloni moved Westerman to the midfielder position and partnered with Rice.
The central defender is replaced by 39-year-old veteran Ian Hart to cooperate with the young De Ligt.
To do this is to give priority to ensuring the interception and running ability of the midfielder and avoid collapse caused by the loss of power in the midfielder.
In the first half, the two sides tied at 0:0. At the beginning of the second half, South Alliant calculated that the York City players were not in good physical condition. They changed their passive defense in the first half and used offensive tactics, hoping to be the first to break through York City's goal. .
At this time, the double defensive midfielder formed by Westerman and Rice played a very good role in protecting the defense line, forming a steel-like defensive line at the front of the penalty area, giving South Alliant almost no chance to enter the penalty area.
As the South United team attacked, the offensive space obtained by York City's frontcourt players also expanded, and the players' performance gradually improved.
In the 72nd minute, Aman made a speed breakthrough on the left, then diagonally inserted into the penalty area and hit Baker in the middle. The latter made a smart pass. Lin Liangming, who inserted in the back row, pushed the shot to the near corner, but the goalkeeper was unable to save it.
0:1!
This is also the recent change in York City's forward line, which is to let Aman play on the left, while Lin Liangming plays on the right like he does in the national team, so that the power of inside forward tactics can be better utilized.
After the goal, the morale of York City players increased, and their offensive began to gradually develop.
Lin Liangming, in particular, was on the right, almost sieving Nan'an United's left. Five minutes later, he assisted Baker to score, and then in the 87th minute, Westerman's pass through the middle was converted into a goal. ball.
0:3, in less than 20 minutes, York City played the most exciting attack in recent games and completely defeated its opponent!
This victory also allowed York City to continue to lead the standings.
Lin Liangming's recent outstanding performance in English League One and the national team has also attracted the attention of many clubs, especially the favor of domestic Chinese Super League teams.
However, Lin Liangming firmly stated that he will only play football in Europe and will never go back!
Pan Yi also said in the interview: "We will not take the initiative to sell Lin Liangming, he is our absolute main force."
Then, he also announced the results of his work during this period, that is, the team's biggest signing during the winter break has been in place!
——
Xabi Alonso has been at York City's training ground for several days.
He is still a Bayern Munich player. Of course, he can appear here because of Pan Yi's invitation!
Just two weeks ago, he had announced that he would retire at the end of this season, officially ending his career.
But at this moment, Pan Yi called: "Come to us to play for another half season, or more?"
If it had been anyone else, Alonso would of course have refused immediately.
After all, he is now nearly 35 years old and feels that his physical condition is getting worse day by day.
Maybe it can barely reach the level of the five major leagues, but it will definitely not be able to gain a foothold in a giant like Bayern.
It is precisely because of this that he made the decision to retire resolutely, and no one can dissuade him!
But now, this "who" is Pan Yi.
This inevitably made Alonso hesitate.
That's because, even if he were to retire, he didn't want to leave football.
In Alonso's vision, he wants to obtain a coaching qualification after retiring, then start coaching a small team or youth team, slowly move to the five major league teams, and finally appear in the area he is familiar with. Next to the grass.
In this process, if there is guidance from a master, you will definitely benefit a lot.
And now, the best "Master" in the world has come to see me!
Isn't this pie in the sky?
Although Pan Yi still presents himself as the "boss" in most cases, he obviously still maintains guidance to disciples such as Arteta and Scaloni, and he works as a consultant for the Dragon Country national team. It has also gone deep into the front line.
If you can stay in Pan Yi's club for a year or two, this is really equivalent to picking up coaching secrets!
Look at Arteta and Scaloni. Both of them led the team to be leaders in the Premier League and English League One. But just a year or two ago, they were just like themselves, a team ready to retire. old players!
Especially Arteta.
The Chelsea he led, after a bad start, actually achieved a terrifying record of 13 consecutive victories!
This also allowed Chelsea to top the standings after the 19th round with a record of 16 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses and 49 points.
The progress he has made after Pan Yi's guidance is evident.
Therefore, Alonso finally came to England and came to Yorkshire.
Then, after he visited the York City club's infrastructure, including watching the match between York City and South United, Alonso strengthened his belief:
There is nothing wrong with following Pan Yi!
This kind of training and competition equipment that exceeds the level of League One, especially the competition content that exceeds the level of League One, deeply moved Alonso.
This is definitely a club that is going to do big things!
And Alonso is bound to learn more knowledge in such a club and with such an owner.
By then he will not only be a coach, but maybe also a good manager!
Soon, Alonso applied to Bayern Munich to terminate his contract.
After all, if York City asks Bayern for someone at this time, it will have to pay a transfer fee, but paying for a player who is about to retire is not cost-effective no matter how you look at it.
At this time, Alonso is actually no longer the absolute main force in Bayern's lineup. He only made more than 20 appearances in various competitions in the team last season, and has only made more than 10 appearances so far this season.
In addition, Alonso has decided to retire when his contract expires this season, so Bayern made a favor and agreed to terminate his contract.
The day after Alonso became a free agent, he signed with York City!
Of course, this contract first requires Alonso to significantly reduce his salary. York City definitely cannot afford his original weekly salary of nearly 200,000 euros!
But Brother Long still received the team's maximum salary, a weekly salary of 20,000 euros.
In return, the contract also states that Alonso will concurrently serve as the team's assistant coach and will continue to employ him after his retirement.
So, Pan Yi used such an operation to solve the midfield vacancy caused by Karlström's injury! ——
"Guys, now I would like to introduce to you our biggest and only transaction in the winter..."
When Pan Yi brought Alonso and Scaloni to the first team training ground and introduced them to everyone with a smile, the players had already applauded.
Who doesn’t know Xavi Alonso?
He has won 2 Champions League championships, 2 European Cup championships, and a World Cup championship!
Whether in Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern, or in the Spanish national team, he has played at a very high level and become the core of the team's midfield.
It can be said that he is the biggest star in York City now, and there are even many young players who grew up watching him play.
Although he has entered the end of his career, as a defensive midfielder, Alonso's playing style has not changed much - offense and defense have their own characteristics, pragmatic and tough.
In defense, even though Alonso is not a pure "blue collar", his position selection and judgment are very good.
When attacking, his long passes and long shots are still important means to enrich the team's offense.
This is also the reason why Pan Yi immediately thought of introducing Alonso.
This is what York City needs most right now!
It can even be said that replacing Karlström with Alonso is still a large-scale upgrade for York City.
No disrespect to Carlstrom, but it’s true.
After all, no matter what, Alonso still has the ability to play for the giants, but he can't play the absolute main force like he did in his peak period.
And, as on the pitch, Xavi Alonso keeps a low profile off it.
He doesn't have an exaggerated hairstyle, doesn't wear fancy clothes, doesn't wear earrings, necklaces, or tattoos, but his low-key manner can hardly hide his charm.
This can also reassure Pan Yi that the addition of such a star will definitely not disturb the harmony in the locker room!
And even if Karlstrom comes back by then, it won't be a big problem.
Anyway, York City only has one strong starting lineup now and has a very intensive schedule. If these old guys are rotated, they will play at a better level.
Apart from anything else, with one more master in the midfield, York City's offensive and defensive combinations can also have many more tricks!
——
With the famous Italian journalist Romano saying "here we go", the news of Alonso joining York City spread to all corners of the world.
York City also received such attention, ushering in the 24th round of the English League One and challenging Bristol Rovers away.
Bristol Rovers also attaches great importance to this game. Although it is a home game, they are very self-aware and have adopted defensive tactics and counterattacks at home.
Scaloni did not let Alonso start, but still arranged the same starting lineup as in the previous round against South United.
Facing the opponent's iron barrel formation, York City's overall strength is still more than one step higher than the opponent, especially the players' personal abilities on the field. The Trident turned Bristol Rovers' defense upside down.
In the first half, Baker's two goals gave York City a 2-0 lead. After the start of the second half, York City's offensive continued unabated.
In the 60th minute, Scaloni looked at the time and asked Alonso to warm up. In the 65th minute, Scaloni decisively put him on the court and replaced Westerman.
Alonso's appearance aroused unanimous cheers from the fans at the scene.
In addition to the York City fans watching the away game, many Bristol Rovers fans also gave warm applause.
After all, as a League One team, you don't have many opportunities to see truly world-class stars at your home court, stars who have won European championships and World Cup championships!
After Alonso came on the scene, he formed a double midfielder with the young Rice. At the same time, he frequently signaled Rice to step forward during the game, and then he dispatched from behind.
Under the control of Alonso, the team played very rhythmically, and the transition between offense and defense was very reasonable. Moreover, after he came on the field, the York City players became more energetic and played more vigorously.
In the 81st minute, it was Alonso's long pass that directly found Amang who was rushing in from the left. Mangbao made an unreasonable volley to help York City win another victory!
In the end, York City defeated its opponent 3:0 and achieved two consecutive victories.
Three days later, York City returned to face Millwall at home, and Alonso also made his home debut at York City.
Scaloni put Alonso in the starting lineup for this game, and Westerman also returned to his more familiar central defender position.
The game was full of spectators, many of whom came from all over Yorkshire just to catch a glimpse of Alonso.
This can be regarded as one of the benefits of Pan Yi's "superstar strategy", which can attract more local fans to pay attention to York City and become York City fans!
With the fans cheering loudly throughout the game, York City played at a high level against Millwall, an opponent they had drawn with in the first half of the season.
This time Alonso started to show off his power in the first half.
In the 15th minute, it was still his signature long-distance overhead pass, which accurately found Lin Liangming who successfully countered offside. The latter directly pushed the ball into the far corner to score.
After assisting his teammates to score, Alonso received the warmest applause from the audience. The treatment he enjoyed even far exceeded that of Lin Liangming, the hero of the goal. The fans in the stands kept shouting for Alonso.
Alonso just waved towards the fans to express his gratitude, but unexpectedly he attracted even louder cheers.
This is a superstar!
Even though he is old, even though he is about to retire, he is still so popular.
From a competitive perspective, he can still achieve dimensionality reduction in the English League One!
"One day, I must have the same treatment as him!" Rice, who was sitting on the bench during today's rotation, said with envy.
Beside him, the substitute players also nodded: "Let's work hard together!"
This is another benefit of introducing Alonso's "superstar effect".
Inspire young players, give them a goal to catch up with, train hard and compete!
