205: The Art of Rotation and the Unbeaten Body

The call from the Southampton chairman came earlier than expected. Lin Feng sat in his office, his fingers tapping the desk, listening to the slightly nervous voice on the other end of the line.

"Mr. Lin, regarding the previous misunderstanding, we have discussed it internally and believe it can be completely resolved."

Lin Feng's lips curved upward. Debt pressure had indeed made them restless.

"Very good. However, the current terms need to be renegotiated."

"We understand. When would it be convenient to meet?"

"Let's talk after I've dealt with the Christmas fixtures. The team has more important things to attend to right now."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Feng turned to the tactics board. December's grueling schedule was about to begin, with seven League matches to be completed within a month. This would be the ultimate test of the team's depth.

Old John pushed open the door, holding a detailed rotation list.

"I've compiled the physical data for the lads. The starting lineup definitely needs some rest."

Lin Feng nodded. He had already devised a rotation strategy for two lineups, A and B. The starters would handle key matches, while the reserves would take on relatively easier opponents.

"Tell the players that everyone will get a chance to prove themselves."

December 6th, Liberty Stadium, Swansea City's home ground.

Rain lashed against the stadium roof, creating a dense drumming sound. The Hartlepool United bus slowly drove into the stadium, with enthusiastic banners from Wales fans visible outside the windows.

Inside the changing room, Lin Feng faced the B-team players. Smalling, Maloney, Lallana, Ince—these young faces were full of anticipation.

"Today is your stage," Lin Feng said, looking at each face. "Show everyone with your performance that Hartlepool United has no weak players."

After the match began, the reserve lineup seemed a bit rusty. Swansea City showed tenacious fighting spirit at home, frequently creating threats with physical confrontations and set pieces.

In the thirtieth minute, the opponent scored first from a corner kick. The home fans in the stands erupted in thunderous cheers, with streamers flying everywhere.

Lin Feng remained calm in the technical area. This situation was within his expectations.

In the sixty-fifth minute, Maloney received a cross from Ince, turned skillfully in the penalty area, and equalized with a left-footed shot. The young Scotsman sprinted towards the corner flag, and his teammates on the bench celebrated wildly.

The final whistle blew, 1-1. The winning streak ended, but the unbeaten run continued.

At the post-match press conference, reporters began to question the rotation strategy.

"Coach John, the team's winning streak has ended. Does this indicate that the rotation affected their form?"

Old John took off his glasses and wiped them for a moment.

"Football is a team sport. Every player needs match practice, and this draw proves our bench depth."

In the media section, Sophie quickly recorded Old John's responses. She knew that Lin Feng's foresight was behind this.

December 9th, Ninian Park, Cardiff City's home ground.

The sky over the capital of Wales was overcast. The A-team reassembled, with the trident of Vardy, De Bruyne, and Coutinho starting.

Just ten minutes into the match, De Bruyne tore open the opponent's defense with a precise long pass. Vardy successfully beat the offside trap and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Coutinho's long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area once again showcased his talent. The ball arced beautifully into the top corner of the net.

In the eightieth minute, De Bruyne assisted Henderson for a header, sealing the victory.

3-0, a perfect response to external doubts.

In the post-match mixed zone, De Bruyne appeared mature beyond his years when facing the cameras.

"We never doubted the rotation strategy. Every teammate is excellent, and that is the strength of the team."

The subsequent matches progressed quickly. On December 13th, they hosted Watford, with Vardy scoring twice in a narrow 2-1 victory. On December 20th, they traveled to Reading, successfully avenging their first-round loss of the season with a 1-0 win.

On Christmas Day, Victoria Park was adorned with lights. The match against Ipswich Town attracted a full house, with a strong festive atmosphere.

In the seventieth minute, sixteen-year-old Liam Jones came on as a substitute. This young prodigy from the Phoenix Training Center made his first-team debut.

In the eighty-fifth minute, the opportunity arose. De Bruyne delivered a precise cross from the wing, and Jones, making a run in front of goal, slotted it in with his right foot.

The entire stadium erupted instantly. This goal not only sealed the victory but also symbolized the success of the youth academy system.

Jones rushed towards the corner flag excitedly, tears blurring his eyes. From the youth team to the first team, from obscurity to the spotlight, this moment was worth remembering forever.

Lin Feng smiled and applauded from the executive box. The investment in the Phoenix Training Center was finally starting to yield returns.

Inside the changing room, teammates tossed Jones into the air. Vardy patted him on the shoulder.

"Kid, this is just the beginning. Keep working hard; the future belongs to you."

By the end of December, Hartlepool United's record was astonishing. Five wins and one draw, leading second-placed Wolves by a remarkable fifteen points in the League table.

Vardy led the scoring charts with nineteen goals, and De Bruyne topped the assist charts with fifteen. These statistics made European giants salivate.

The League Cup semi-final draw was announced, with Manchester City, recently acquired by a Middle Eastern consortium, as their opponent. The Blue Moon, with superstars like Robinho joining, was ambitious and eager to prove its strength in the cup competition.

In the office at the Phoenix Training Center, Lin Feng was planning winter transfers. Veteran Joel Porter and other fringe players had been informed they could look for new clubs.

Richard Arnold knocked and entered, holding a thick stack of transfer documents.

"Boss, Southampton called again. Their chairman wants to come in person to negotiate."

Lin Feng put down the report in his hand, a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

"Very good. Tell him to come to the Phoenix Training Center next Tuesday. Remember, this time, make sure he sees our sincerity and strength."

Arnold nodded and left. Lin Feng stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the Northern Dragon Arena under construction in the distance. The steel and concrete framework glinted in the winter sun, foreshadowing a glorious future.

His phone vibrated; Sophie sent a text: "Dinner is ready. Tonight, I want to talk about our future."

Lin Feng's lips curved upward. The football empire was steadily being built, and his personal life was becoming sweeter. Everything was going perfectly according to plan.

On the training ground, the players were undergoing recovery training. The intense December schedule had left everyone tired, but the joy of victory diluted the physical fatigue.

De Bruyne and Coutinho practiced passing in the center circle; the chemistry between the two young talents grew daily. Henderson sweated profusely on the treadmill; his stamina and coverage were important weapons for the team.

Schmeichel practiced saves alone; the Denmark goalkeeper maintained excellent form. A dozen footballs were piled in front of the goal, and the assistant coach continuously shot from different angles to test his reaction speed.

Old John timed them on the sidelines with a stopwatch, satisfactorily recording each player's data. Lin Feng's rotation strategy not only protected the starting players but also gave valuable experience to the reserves.

"Lads, after the New Year, we have even tougher challenges ahead," Old John gathered everyone. "The League Cup semi-final against Manchester City will be a crucial battle to test our mettle."

Vardy wiped sweat from his forehead, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"Coach, we even beat Manchester United. What's there to be afraid of Manchester City?"

His teammates nodded in agreement. The victory at Old Trafford had given the entire team unparalleled confidence.

As night fell, the Phoenix Training Center gradually quieted down. Lin Feng was in his office, handling the last work documents, with detailed profiles of three teenagers—Luke Shaw, Sterling, and Stones—on his desk.

These future superstars were currently unknown, but Lin Feng knew their value. The Super Child Labor Project was about to be launched, and Hartlepool United would establish an absolute advantage in youth development.

A knock came from the door, and Sophie entered with hot tea. She saw Lin Feng engrossed in his work, and a wave of tenderness welled up in her heart.

"Still busy? Today's match is over."

Lin Feng looked up and took the teacup. The warm liquid dispelled the cold of the winter night.

"Preparing for the future. These kids will change the football world."

Sophie sat beside him, curiously flipping through the files. The photos of teenagers made her puzzled.

"They look so young. Is it really worth such a big investment?"

Lin Feng gently stroked her hair, his eyes filled with profound wisdom.

"Diamonds are just ordinary stones when they are first discovered. The key is to have the vision to see their value."

Outside the window, snowflakes began to fall, blanketing the town of Hartlepool in white. A new year was about to begin, with greater challenges and opportunities awaiting.

Lin Feng knew that December's success was just the beginning. The real test lay in whether they could sustain this momentum until the end of the season and ultimately achieve the great goal of a treble.

But he had prepared for everything. Whether it was tactical arrangements, personnel rotation, or youth academy investment, every step was paving the way for that glorious future.

The Northern Dragon had awakened, and now it was time for the whole world to witness its power.