AC Milan deployed a 4-3-3 formation in this game. Because Robinho was injured, Allegri asked Boateng to temporarily play forward.
In fact, Zheng Zhi is also particularly suitable for this position. After all, he was positioned as a shadow striker at Juventus last season. However, because of his stronger adaptability, Yun Sheng often used him as a guest midfielder.
Moreover, Zheng Zhi is in good physical condition and is very suitable for the competition.
But Allegri still put Zheng Zhi on the bench.
Because he didn't like Zheng Zhi.
During this summer transfer period, Allegri was interested in many players, but the club's support for him was limited, and several of his favorite players failed to come to the Rossoneri.
But in this situation of tight funds, the club actually paid a huge price of 20 million euros to buy Zheng Zhi, who was not included in Allegri's plan!
This made him very angry!
Have you ever taken me as the head coach seriously?
Not only did Zheng Zhi's transfer not seek Allegri's opinion, but Galliani also forced Allegri to give Zheng Zhi stable playing time, because the team relied on Zheng Zhi to earn advertising fees.
The sponsors have made it clear that the increase in their sponsorship fees will be determined by Zheng Zhi's playing time.
Therefore, Allegri is very helpless. Even if he does not want to use Zheng Zhi and exclude him from the main lineup, he must try to give him enough opportunities to come on as a substitute.
In this game, Robinho was absent due to injury. Allegri was originally stretched in his formation. Now the team is two goals behind, and Boateng, who he likes, performed very poorly. This is even more... It made him very angry.
Looking back at the bench, he suddenly had an idea.
Let Zheng Zhi come on as a substitute!
Although he didn't like Zheng Zhi, Zheng Zhi's serious attitude on the training ground still won his respect. Moreover, last season, Zheng Zhi helped Juventus overtake AC Milan 5-4 in the unfavorable situation of 1-4. Now, These are Allegri's pain points.
Now let Zheng Zhi come on as a substitute. It would be best if he could turn around and win. If he performed poorly, he would be able to take this opportunity to talk to the board of directors.
Zheng Zhi's performance is so poor, you will have nothing to say if I put him on the bench, right?
Boateng, who was substituted, was not in a good mood. He knew that the head coach was very dissatisfied with him. When he passed by Zheng Zhi at the end of the game, he did not even give Zheng Zhi a high-five or hug, but bypassed him and went directly to the bench. This made Zheng Zhi was a little embarrassed.
Now that the second half has only been played for five minutes, it is normal for Boateng to be in a bad mood after being substituted.
Zheng Zhi frowned slightly, said nothing, and quickly ran onto the court at the urging of the fourth official.
Regarding the relationship between Zheng Zhi and Boateng, there had been some minor discord before.
Zheng Zhi wears jersey number 27 at Juventus, and in AC Milan, fan number 27 is Boateng's favorite.
On the first day he came to the team, Boateng said in front of everyone: "Zheng Zhi, please wait another year. After Seedorf retires next year, I will wear his No. 10." Jersey, and give you my No. 27 jersey."
These words were full of provocation, and Zheng Zhi did not respond. He finally chose the No. 28 jersey and did not dwell on the matter.
Now that Boateng was taken off the field and his replacement was Zheng Zhi, Boateng was even more unhappy.
Not only did he ignore Zheng Zhi at the end of the game, he even said to his teammates while sitting on the bench: "What's so great about that Chinese guy? I was injured today, so I couldn't help the team score. At this time, it's best to send someone Play Inzaghi, he is the best choice. Otherwise, it’s okay to let El Shaaraoui play, this young man is also very good. I didn’t expect the coach to send Zheng Zhi, I really don’t know what he thought.”
Gattuso glanced at him: "Stop talking nonsense to me! You act like shit, and you are still here to sow discord. If you don't shut up, I will fuck you now!"
Boateng was dissatisfied, but he looked at the fierce-looking Gattuso and wisely closed his mouth.
He knew very well that this guy kept his word. If he beeped again, he might be in trouble when he returned to the locker room...
Inzaghi on the side patted Gattuso: "Don't be angry, just watch the game. I believe Zheng Zhi will be able to lead the team to victory."
Gattuso also nodded firmly: "This kid can take Juventus from 1 to 4 to 5 to 4, and we can take Milan from 0 to 2 to 3 to 2. I believe in him!"
In fact, a year ago, Gattuso and Inzaghi didn't have much impression of the Chinese, let alone a favorable impression.
But after spending this year with Wu Lei and Cai Huikang, the two of them have learned a lot about Chinese culture, and their affection for Chinese players who are humble, low-key, and hard-working has doubled. They love the house and Wu, and the two of them also very much welcome Zheng Zhi's arrival. .
Zheng Zhi's excellent offensive and defensive characteristics not only attracted the love of Gattuso and Inzaghi, but also conquered Seedorf's heart.
Looking at Zheng Zhi running onto the field, Seedorf also nodded and said: "I agree with you. This guy can definitely help Milan turn defeat into victory. After I retire, he will be the best owner of Milan's No. 10 jersey!"
Gattuso slapped him: "That's right! Milan's No. 10 jersey can't be worn by just any cat or dog! It must be a top star like Seedorf to be worthy of it. Zheng Zhi is such a talented player. I am optimistic about him." !”
The two were chatting about the No. 10 jersey, and Boateng was so angry that he almost vomited blood.
I've always wanted the number 10 jersey, what do you mean by saying this in front of me? Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?
However, looking at Gattuso who glared at him and Seedorf who ignored him at all, Boateng finally chose to swallow his anger and endure it.
He looked in the direction of the court.
Zheng Zhi, even if the veterans in the team have a good impression of you, that’s not the case!
Respect is earned with strength on the court, not by popularity!
There was an undercurrent on the bench on the sidelines, and everyone was competing secretly, while the Milan players on the court focused all their energy on the game, looking forward to equalizing and overtaking the score as soon as possible.
Zheng Zhi came on as a substitute and quickly ran to his position and came to Ibrahimovic and Cassano.
Ibrahimovic nodded to him proudly, which was regarded as a greeting.
In fact, this is already very good, and most young people would not like Ibrahimovic. It was because of Zheng Zhi's wonderful performance in reversing Milan last season that Ibrahimovic took a high look at Zheng Zhi. Otherwise, with his arrogant character, he would not take a new player of the team seriously.
Compared to Ibrahimovic, Cassano is much friendlier.
Since arriving in Milan, Cassano has been the person with the best relationship with Zheng Zhi.
In addition to the matching of personalities between the two, Yun Sheng's influence is also an important reason.
Cassano is Yun Sheng's former disciple, and Zheng Zhi is also Yun Sheng's favorite general. Due to their good relationship with Yun Sheng, friends of friends are also friends, so the two have a good relationship.
Seeing Zheng Zhi coming on as a substitute, Cassano smiled and patted Zheng Zhi on the shoulder: "Man, you just came on the field and were in good physical condition. I will pass the ball to you in a while and you try to score as soon as possible. This game depends on you. Got it!"
