165: Everton's "big gift package"

In the conference room of the Phoenix Training Center, the morning sun streamed through the fllor-to-ceiling windows onto the long table.

Lin Feng's fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, the rhythm slow and powerful.

The headline on the front page of the newspaper spread out on the table was particularly glaring: "The Toffees will shatter the promoted team's championship dream."

The sports reporter for the Liverpool Echo used blunt language, with an inherent disdain for lower-League teams from a Premier League club.

"Boss, the players' reactions are completely different from the media's."

Richard Arnold pushed open the door and walked in, holding a newly printed training report.

"They seem very excited."

Lin Feng put down the newspaper, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He had anticipated this reaction.

For these young men eager to prove themselves, facing Premier League stars like Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta was a godsend.

"Let them be excited."

Lin Feng stood up and walked to the giant display screen on the wall.

"This excitement is exactly what we need," Lin Feng said calmly.

He pressed the remote control, and the system interface of the World-Class Club Development Platform immediately appeared on the screen.

Blue light flickered on the screen, with various data and charts densely arranged.

These data were like an ancient text to ordinary people, but for Lin Feng, they were valuable intelligence.

"System, activate the 'Opponent Deep Analysis' module."

Lin Feng's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet office.

"Target: Everton Football Club, head coach David Moyes."

The data on the screen began to scroll wildly.

Countless charts, tactical boards, player movement trajectories, and historical match footage flashed before his eyes.

System Prompt: Currently consuming a large amount of energy for deep analysis...

Analysis Target: David Moyes' tactical system

Estimated Completion Time: 120 seconds

Lin Feng waited quietly.

He knew this analysis would consume nearly a third of the system's reserve energy, but facing a Premier League team, such an investment was necessary.

Two minutes later, a complex three-dimensional tactical model appeared on the screen.

On the screen, Everton's formation was broken down into countless dynamic modules. Arteta's habitual passing routes were highlighted in red, and Cahill's penalty area poaching heatmap was clearly visible.

The trigger timing for high pressing, the personnel configuration for set-piece attacks, Arteta's habitual passing route map—everything was clearly visible.

"Interesting."

Lin Feng carefully studied the data on the screen.

Moyes' tactics, though not flashy, were extremely practical.

High-intensity pressing combined with rapid wing counterattacks—this system had already proven its effectiveness in the Premier League.

System Prompt: Deep analysis completed

Detected core feature of target tactical system: High Pressing

Future Tactics Library unlocked new module — "Breaking High Pressing System: Triangular Passing and Quick Transition"

This module is specifically designed for tactical systems centered around high-intensity pressing.

A glint flashed in Lin Feng's eyes.

This was exactly what he needed.

The system not only analyzed the opponent's tactical characteristics but also provided targeted solutions.

Triangular passing and quick transition—this tactical concept was still an advanced idea in 2007.

But through the system's detailed analysis, Lin Feng had fully grasped its essence.

He immediately called Old John.

"John, gather all the first-team players at Training Pitch One immediately."

"We're going to do some special training."

After hanging up, Lin Feng quickly walked out of the office.

Lin Feng picked up a pen and quickly drew several triangular areas and movement arrows on the tactical board, a targeted training blueprint appearing on the paper.

On the training ground, the players were undergoing their usual warm-up.

When Lin Feng appeared on the sidelines, everyone stopped what they were doing.

It was not common for the boss to personally oversee training.

"Gentlemen, we are about to begin a special training session."

Lin Feng stood in the center of the pitch, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"I call it the 'Dog Walking' game."

The players exchanged glances, not quite understanding the meaning of this strange name.

"The rules are simple."

Lin Feng pointed to a corner of the pitch.

"A ten-by-ten-meter square area, three people per group, two passing, one tackling."

"The passers can only touch the ball once; no stopping and adjusting the ball is allowed."

"The tackler must press with full effort, no holding back."

Henderson was the first to raise his hand.

"Boss, how is this different from our usual passing drills?"

Lin Feng smiled at the young captain.

"The difference lies in the intensity and tempo."

"Normal passing drills focus on accuracy, while this game focuses on quick decision-making under extreme pressure."

"When Everton's players come at you like mad dogs, you must be able to make the right choice within 0.5 seconds."

Once training began, the players quickly experienced the difficulty of this exercise.

In a confined space, facing a teammate pressing with full effort, every pass was a challenge.

Sigurdsson's first attempt was a mistake.

He tried to pass to Henderson, but the ball was intercepted by Vardy, who rushed in.

"Too slow!"

Lin Feng shouted from the sidelines.

"Don't think, use instinct!"

After repeated practice, the players gradually got the hang of it.

They began to learn to communicate with their eyes, to anticipate teammates' runs, and to make the most accurate judgments in the shortest possible time.

Henderson and Tinkler's coordination became increasingly fluid.

Their passes seemed magnetic; no matter how hard Vardy pressed, he couldn't intercept the ball.

"Very good!"

Lin Feng clapped his hands.

"This is our weapon against Everton."

"When they think they can overwhelm us with pressing, we will make them run in vain with the simplest, fastest passes."

After an hour of training, Lin Feng introduced new requirements.

"Now we'll work on defense."

He divided the players into two groups, simulating Everton's attacking patterns.

"Shawcross, Nelson, you two must remember, Everton's center forward is tall and strong, with excellent heading ability."

"Your task is to stick to him like glue, not giving him any comfortable chance to receive the ball."

The two center-backs nodded seriously.

They knew the importance of this match, and they knew the boss's trust in them.

"Henderson, your task is the most important."

Lin Feng walked up to the captain.

"Arteta is Everton's brain; his passing organizes the entire team's attack."

"You need to stick to him like chewing gum, making every one of his passes uncomfortable."

Henderson nodded vigorously.

He was already imagining how to deal with the Spanish midfield maestro.

After training, the players, drenched in sweat, gathered around Lin Feng.

On the training ground, the sound of players high-fiving was much louder than usual, and some were already loudly discussing how to score at Goodison Park.

"Boss, when are we announcing the Samsung contract?"

Walker asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.

This news was no longer a secret within the club.

"On the day of the match against Everton."

Lin Feng's answer excited everyone.

"I want the whole world to pay attention to us that day."

"Commercial success will bring greater prestige to the team and greater psychological pressure to our opponents."

The players whispered among themselves, discussing the upcoming, unprecedented "official announcement ceremony."

They could imagine the shock that would ripple through the entire football world when this astronomical contract was announced.

Meanwhile, the club's commercial team was busy preparing all the details for the press conference.

In the conference room, Marketing Director James White had dark circles under his eyes, and the table was covered with various plans and schedules.

"We need to ensure every step is perfect."

White said to a room full of staff.

"This is not just a commercial press conference; it is one of the most important moments in the club's history."

Emily Johnson from the PR department raised her hand to speak.

"I have already contacted all major media outlets, including BBC and Sky Sports."

"They are all very interested in this news and have promised to provide live coverage."

"Very good."

White nodded with satisfaction.

"We want this news to reach every corner of the world."

In the media office, Sophie Green was writing an in-depth report about Hartlepool United's challenge to the "impossible."

Her keyboard clicks were exceptionally crisp in the quiet office.

As the reporter who knew this team best, Sophie understood the significance of this match more than anyone.

"From League One to challenging the Premier League, Hartlepool United is about to write one of the most incredible chapters in football history."

She wrote at the beginning of her article.

"This is not just a match; it is a challenge to the traditional order of football."

Sophie stopped typing and looked out the window.

In the distance, on the training ground, the players were making their final preparations.

Determination and confidence were etched on everyone's faces.

She knew that, regardless of the outcome, this team had already created enough miracles.

But she believed even more that the biggest miracle was yet to come.

At dusk, Everton manager David Moyes was being interviewed by reporters in his office at Goodison Park.

The Scottish coach's face wore a cautious expression.

"We respect any opponent on a winning streak."

Moyes' voice was low and serious.

"We have sent scouts to watch many of their matches."

"They are indeed very strong, and their tactical execution is also excellent."

The reporters exchanged glances.

They had expected to hear some dismissive remarks about the opponent, but Moyes clearly wouldn't give them such an opportunity.

"However."

Moyes' tone suddenly became firm.

"This Tuesday, they will know the true meaning of the Premier League."

"Goodison Park is not Victoria Park, and the tempo and intensity of the Premier League cannot be compared to League One."

These words quickly reached Hartlepool United's ears.

Far from feeling pressured, the players became even more excited.

"The more they value us, the stronger we are."

Vardy loudly declared in the changing room.

"We're going to show that Scottish old man what real football is all about."

His teammates laughed heartily.

This relaxed atmosphere was a testament to the team's optimal state.

As night fell, Lin Feng stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his office.

The city lights twinkled in the distance, and Victoria Park Stadium looked exceptionally quiet in the night glow.

Tomorrow, the most important training session in the team's history would take place here.

The day after tomorrow, they would embark on their journey to Liverpool to challenge a seemingly impossible task.

His phone suddenly rang, displaying an unfamiliar number.

Lin Feng answered the call.

"Mr. Lin, I am a representative from Samsung Group."

An English voice with a Korean accent came through the phone.

"Regarding tomorrow's press conference, we have some details to confirm."

"Go ahead."

Lin Feng's tone was calm.

"The press conference is scheduled for ten AM, at the press conference hall of the Phoenix Training Center."

"Our global media team is ready and will broadcast the entire press conference live."

"Very good."

Lin Feng nodded with satisfaction.

"Remember, this is not just a commercial contract; it is a statement."

"We want to tell the world that Hartlepool United is no longer that obscure small club."

After hanging up, Lin Feng looked out the window again.

Tomorrow would be a decisive day.

Commercial success would bring more attention and pressure to the team.

But he believed his players could handle it all.

Because they not only had skill but also the heart of a champion.