Hello, Coach Zhao Zhao, I'm Ma Fanfan from Ground Football."
In Sunderland's conference room, Ma Fanfan extended her fair, delicate hand to Zhao Zhao:
"Thank you for agreeing to our interview. I will ask you some questions in the next half hour, and you can choose the ones you like to answer."
Zhao Zhao nodded lightly and reached out to grasp the hand Ma Fanfan offered: "Hello, I've watched your show, and I like it very much."
Ma Fanfan's face flushed slightly, but her eyes were fixed on Zhao Zhao.
This man, whom she found unfathomable, seemed less rebellious today than he was on the field, and not as uncooperative as he was last week when facing Zhang Wenwu; he looked even more adorable this way.
Meanwhile, Zhao Zhao was also sizing up Ma Fanfan.
Today, this beautiful woman was wearing a white Short dress, elegant and graceful, with a touch of the "autumn water for spirit, jade for bone, hibiscus for face, willow for eyebrows" feeling.
She was indeed very pleasing to the eye!
Only a lighting technician and a photographer accompanied Ma Fanfan today.
Compared to the overwhelming crowd last week, the conference room was much more spacious today.
It was clear that the other party had done their homework, and the atmosphere of this interview was significantly more relaxed, which also improved Zhao Zhao's mood.
"Shall we start now?" Ma Fanfan asked cautiously.
"Let's begin," Zhao Zhao nodded. "Don't be nervous, just treat it like a casual chat between friends."
Ma Fanfan couldn't help but chuckle.
This was usually something the host said when facing an interviewee, but today it was reversed.
Well, in front of Zhao Zhao, even veteran host Zhang Wenwu couldn't gain an advantage, and Ground Football was "begging" him for an interview, so the positions of the two sides were indeed reversed…
Furthermore, Ma Fanfan was indeed a little nervous.
She just wasn't sure if this nervousness stemmed from the important interview task or from Zhao Zhao, the handsome man himself…
But hearing Zhao Zhao say that, Ma Fanfan miraculously found that she really wasn't as nervous as she had been at first.
So, the two began to chat in a relaxed state.
The initial topics naturally revolved around what Chinese fans were most concerned about and curious about.
For example, "When did you come to England?", "Why did you want to obtain a coaching license?", "How did you get into Sunderland?", "Why were you chosen as Coach?", "How did you feel on your first day as a Premier League Coach?", and so on.
Some of these questions had been reported by foreign media, while others had never been disclosed.
However, even for the reported content, many people were skeptical, always feeling that it was made up.
For example, Zhao Zhao was initially just an intern assistant Coach for the youth team; even with a UEFA Pro License, it shouldn't have been his turn to be the first-team Coach, right?
But in fact, it was truly because Sunderland owner Short thought Zhao Zhao was the most handsome, so he directly picked him.
This was yet another crazy thing this American owner had done!
Zhao Zhao also smiled and said, "Actually, it's my fault; I'm too obviously handsome."
This made Ma Fanfan giggle.
It can be said that the effect of this interview was unexpectedly good.
Even the photographer and lighting technician beside them had a greatly improved impression of Zhao Zhao.
This guy, who dared to verbally spar with Mourinho and exchange insults with Karanka on the field and at press conferences, was not actually an arrogant, overbearing madman!
He also had a kind, humorous, and approachable side!
As for last week's unpleasantness…
It seemed to be just an accident.
Or rather, how Zhao Zhao treats you depends first on how you treat him.
Looking back now, Zhang Wenwu's attitude at the time was indeed likely to cause Zhao Zhao's displeasure.
After all, on the field, when Guardiola was friendly towards Zhao Zhao, Zhao Zhao also returned the courtesy, didn't he?
Towards the end of the interview, the topic naturally shifted to the upcoming away match against Chelsea.
"Coach Zhao, you have already led the team to four consecutive wins in the Premier League. So, facing League leaders Chelsea on Thursday, what are your expectations for the match result?" Ma Fanfan asked.
According to her assumption, or her understanding of Zhao Zhao so far, Zhao Zhao should be a Coach who always pursues victory.
Although Chelsea is strong, aren't Manchester United and Manchester City also strong?
When facing the Manchester giants, Zhao Zhao adopted different strategies, but still achieved victory!
And according to news from some Sunderland players, even when Manchester City dominated the entire match, Zhao Zhao still shouted slogans about defeating the opponent in the locker room, and it actually came true.
Therefore, it can be predicted that Zhao Zhao will also stage an unexpected battle against Chelsea!
But just as Ma Fanfan expected to hear a passionate speech from Zhao Zhao, he actually said something "unexpected":
"Oh, this match, I actually don't have any expectations."
Ma Fanfan's mouth dropped open: "Huh?"
"When you just came over, you should have passed the training ground, right?" Zhao Zhao said with a smile, "Did you notice that there were fewer players today?"
"Yes, I actually wanted to ask just now," Ma Fanfan nodded. "And many of them are young players; veterans like Defoe and O'Shea aren't among them."
"Because I gave them a holiday. All the main players are on holiday."
"Ah, isn't there a match coming up soon? Won't taking a holiday affect their form?" Ma Fanfan exclaimed in surprise.
Actually, letting players take a holiday to relax before a match isn't something to be too surprised about; many coaches do it.
But now is a critical moment in Sunderland's relegation battle, and the preparation time is very Short. Is it appropriate to take a holiday at this time?
Not to mention that tomorrow is Thursday; taking a holiday the day before a match is really rare.
Moreover, the main players are on holiday, but the substitutes and young players are still training, which always feels a bit strange.
Could it be that Zhao Zhao is up to some magical trick again?
Sure enough, Zhao Zhao immediately replied: "As long as they are in form to play Swansea, that's fine. As for playing Chelsea… I can accept whatever happens. As I just said, I have no expectations for this match."
"Ah…" Ma Fanfan seemed to understand Zhao Zhao's intention.
Is this a "Tian Ji's Horse Racing" strategy? Or "sacrificing a pawn to save the king"!
If they give up on the Chelsea match, then if they can ensure a win against Swansea, it might indeed be a more pragmatic choice for Sunderland.
"Then… then are you confident in winning against Swansea?" Ma Fanfan asked again.
"No. But I will do my best," Zhao Zhao said truthfully.
For Zhao Zhao, the match against Swansea might actually be his biggest test since he became Coach.
Because he has no simulation points, he won't have the system's help!
But since he was able to defeat Middlesbrough with one simulation back then, he believes he can do it again this time!
After all, now, after the baptism of so many real matches and the guidance of many famous coaches' courses in the system, he is even stronger than before.
Therefore, when Zhao Zhao said this, he appeared full of confidence!
This also made Ma Fanfan a little stunned.
She found herself understanding this man less and less!
Like a contradiction of "the calm one" and "the passionate one," today's Zhao Zhao exuded confidence in his low-key demeanor, and sincerity in his mischievousness, truly captivating.
How could there be such a handsome and charming man in this world!
Her curiosity was like a kitten constantly scratching at the door, making this once proud and arrogant beautiful host unable to stop herself…