157: "Release" of pressure

A brief silence fell in the conference room.

James and his team members looked at each other, their eyes filled with incredible excitement.

"Mr. Lin, are you really willing to invest so many resources?"

James's voice trembled slightly.

"Of course."

Lin Feng put down the marker and turned to face everyone.

"I believe in the power of data, and I believe in your abilities."

"The new name of this company is now 'Eye of the Northern Storm,' symbolizing insight into all the secrets of the football world."

The team members burst into enthusiastic applause.

This feeling of being trusted and valued greatly encouraged them.

"We won't let you down!"

James excitedly shook Lin Feng's hand.

"Very good."

Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction.

"Tomorrow, I will arrange for the data interface of the Phoenix Training Center to be opened to you."

"At the same time, I hope you can formulate a detailed development plan as soon as possible."

After the meeting, Lin Feng stood alone in front of the office's floor-to-ceiling windows.

The night view of London stretched out below his feet, and the River Thames meandered like a silver ribbon.

His business empire was expanding step by step.

From Hartlepool United Football Club, to Northern Storm Interactive Entertainment, and now to Eye of the Northern Storm.

These seemingly independent companies were all serving a larger goal.

To build a comprehensive entertainment empire with football at its core.

The ringing of his phone interrupted Lin Feng's thoughts.

The caller ID showed Sophie Green's name.

"Good evening, Sophie."

"Lin Feng, are you in London?"

Sophie's voice sounded a little surprised.

"Just finished some business matters; I'll be back in Hartlepool tomorrow."

"Business matters?"

Sophie's journalistic instinct was immediately piqued.

"Can you reveal some details?"

Lin Feng smiled.

"I acquired a data analysis company, preparing to use it for the team's research work."

"You're always like this, casually dropping shocking news."

Sophie's voice carried a hint of complaint, but more of admiration.

"Actually, I called to ask you a question."

"What question?"

Lin Feng sat down on the sofa, ready to hear what Sophie had to say.

"Regarding the team's psychological conditioning, do you have any special methods?"

Sophie's voice became serious.

"When I observe your players, I find that their mental fortitude is generally very strong."

"This is rare among young players."

Lin Feng was silent for a while.

This question touched upon the core of his management philosophy.

"Sophie, what do you think trust is?"

"Trust?"

Sophie was a little surprised by the answer.

"Trust is believing that the other party will not harm you."

"Not entirely correct."

Lin Feng looked at the night view outside the window.

"True trust is believing that even if the other party has the ability to harm you, they won't do it."

"You mean..."

"I give the players the greatest freedom and room for error, letting them know that I believe in their abilities."

Lin Feng's voice was soft, but every word was clear.

"At the same time, I will also provide guidance and help when they need it."

"This balance is difficult to master, but once established, it generates immense power."

Sophie listened quietly on the other end of the phone, a familiar feeling of emotion welling up in her heart.

"You always seem to be able to see through everyone's hearts."

Her voice became gentle.

"Then can you... see through mine?"

The office suddenly fell silent, with only the faint sounds of distant traffic.

Lin Feng gazed at the night view outside the window, Sophie's face appearing in his mind.

Those eyes that always sparkled with wisdom, that mouth that always carried a faint smile.

"I don't need to see through."

His voice was soft, but full of warmth.

"Because I believe that sincere eyes are the best window to the soul."

A slight gasp came from the other end of the phone.

Sophie's heart once again, unwillingly, quickened.

This man always managed to say the most touching words unintentionally.

"You're always like this..."

Sophie's voice trembled slightly.

"Like what?"

"Making people Can't help it want to understand you more."

Lin Feng smiled and shook his head.

"Then take your time to understand; we have all the time in the world."

After the call ended, Lin Feng packed up his things, preparing to rest.

Tomorrow, he still had to fly back to Hartlepool for the match against Luton.

Eleven consecutive wins—this number carried the expectations of too many people.

The enthusiasm of the fans, the attention of the media, the awe of opponents.

But Lin Feng knew that the biggest enemy was always his own inner demons.

The more consecutive wins, the greater the pressure.

How to keep the players calm amidst immense expectations was his biggest challenge.

The next morning, Lin Feng's private jet landed at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

The car drove through familiar streets, the houses on both sides appearing especially warm in the morning light.

This small town was radiating new vitality due to the success of its football team.

Shop signs with the team's logo were visible everywhere in the streets and alleys.

Fans wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "Eleven Consecutive Wins" walked on the road.

The entire city was immersed in a fervent and expectant atmosphere.

Upon returning to the Phoenix Training Center, the players were undergoing their final training adjustments.

Lin Feng noticed that everyone's condition was good; yesterday's "football bowling" game had indeed had a relaxing effect.

Vardy's passes were more precise, and Walker's breakthroughs were more decisive.

The entire team had regained that relaxed and confident feeling.

"Boss, welcome back."

Old John came up to him, a relieved smile on his face.

"The players are in great shape, with no signs of nervousness at all."

"Very good."

Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction.

"Are all the preparations for the match arranged?"

"Everything is arranged; kick-off is at 3 PM tomorrow."

Old John flipped open his notebook.

"The media has also been notified; nearly a hundred reporters are expected to attend."

"It seems everyone is very interested in this match."

Lin Feng surveyed the training ground; the players' focused expressions pleased him.

In the afternoon, Victoria Park Stadium had already begun its final preparations for tomorrow's match.

The grass was neatly mowed, and the goal nets had been replaced with brand new white ropes.

In the stands, staff were installing banners and slogans.

The most striking was a huge red banner: "Eleven Consecutive Wins, Make History!"

Fans had already started gathering around the stadium, excitedly discussing tomorrow's match.

"We're definitely going to win this time; our form is too good!"

"Eleven consecutive wins, just thinking about it is exciting!"

"What's Luton? We can even beat Championship teams!"

But there were also rational voices reminding everyone to stay calm.

"The more this happens, the more careful we need to be; anything can happen on a football field."

"Yes, never underestimate the opponent; one slip-up and you could fall into a ditch."

Media attention had reached an unprecedented high.

All major TV stations had sent out their strongest commentary lineups.

Sky Sports even announced that it would broadcast the entire match live.

The sports section of the Daily Mail used its entire front page to preview the match, with the headline: "Historic Moment, Hartlepool Challenges the Record!"

The Guardian analyzed the strengths of both sides from a tactical perspective, concluding that Hartlepool United had an overwhelming advantage.

Even The Times, which usually paid little attention to League One, specifically sent a reporter to Hartlepool for on-site interviews.

Pressure and expectations surged like a tide, but Lin Feng remained calm.

He knew that at such times, the leader's emotions would directly affect the entire team.

He had to show absolute confidence and composure to put the players at ease.

In the evening, the players made their final preparations in the locker room before the match.

Unlike usual, there was no tension on anyone's face, only a desire for victory and the relaxed enjoyment of the game.

"Lads, tomorrow is our moment to make history."

Nelson, as captain, stood up to speak.

"But remember, we don't play for records; we play for victory."

"The captain is right!"

Henderson echoed.

"We just need to play to our own level; leave the rest to luck."

The players smiled at each other, high-fiving for encouragement.

This relaxed and confident atmosphere made everyone feel at ease.

Lin Feng stood at the locker room door, quietly observing all of this.

The players' condition had been adjusted to the best; tomorrow's match should not be a big problem.

But football matches are always full of variables, and any unexpected event can happen.

Especially when players face an opponent who has already given up resistance, it is easy to become complacent.

And in the player tunnel, the Luton players were undergoing a completely different mobilization.

Their captain clenched his fists, his eyes burning with unwilling fire.

"They look down on us, lads!"

His voice was suppressed with anger.

"Go and let them know that dignity must be defended with blood!"