Chapter 35: Transfer situation and Genk's new lineup
In China, Wang Feng did not slack off on his training. He would go downstairs every morning for physical training and ball-handling exercises. Not long after, agent Francisco Balmond came to China, accompanied by a French trainer, Abel Le Goff.
Le Goff is very experienced. He has served as a team trainer in Ligue 1 clubs such as Marseille and Nice, and has also coached Emmanuel-Laurent-Pettit, Youri-Djorkaeff, etc. Professional training of French stars.
Le Goff said: "Wang, I have watched your game. I am very interested in your physical condition. I will formulate a special training plan for you. I am most curious about the improvement effect in the future."
So Wang Feng couldn't wait to rent a well-equipped gymnasium in the provincial capital city, with various fitness equipment and a small swimming pool. According to Legoff, swimming is also one of the important means of physical exercise.
At the same time, Legoff also formulated a set of special fitness recipes for Wang Feng. Wang Feng needs to strictly follow the recipes for every meal, drink, and even how much he eats. Wang Feng was fine, but his mother muttered: "Ah Feng, can these foods be nutritious enough? Can't I cook something delicious for you?" Wang Feng had no choice but to explain to her that this is a job and he needed self-discipline.
While Wang Feng was practicing hard, the summer transfers in European football were in full swing. The most shocking news was that Portuguese superstar Luis Figo transferred from Barcelona to rival Real Madrid for 56.1 million euros which set a new transfer fee record.
Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez said that the transfer of Figo is just the beginning, "We will launch a plan to introduce a superstar in one year and build a galaxy of football."
This transfer also made the Spanish media collectively boil, especially the media in the Catalan Autonomous Region. "Mundo Deportivo" commented that it was "shameful betrayal", and "Daily Sports" believed that "this behavior is unacceptable." Many Barcelona fans took to the streets to insult and protest Figo's transfer.
Of course, as the mouthpiece of Real Madrid, "Marca" also responded immediately: "There is no problem with Figo's transfer. Barcelona chairman Nunez does not want to renew Figo's contract. They did not give enough respect to the superstar."
"Aspen" further reported that Rivaldo, who had just been selected as the 1999 European Footballer of the Year and World Footballer of the Year, also encountered difficulties in the contract renewal negotiations with Barcelona. "Nunez and Barcelona don't know how to give Stars respect, there will not be a home for superstars."
When La Liga was making a fuss about Figo's transfer, there was also heavy news in Serie A. Hernan Crespo transferred from Parma to Lazio at a sky-high price of 54.16 million euros. This news also detonated the Italian football world. If it were not for Figo's transfer, this transfer would become the most expensive transfer of the year.
Wang Feng just glanced at these important transfer news, and stopped paying attention. He was more concerned about Genk's actions, which would directly affect the team's performance next season.
After Caspar Blanche went to Bundesliga Cologne, Adrian Gale also went to Braga, the main striker is only Wang Feng, and several generals in the midfield and defense have also left one after another. As expected, Genk's lineup was almost entirely reorganized.
However, in order to achieve next season's results, especially in the UEFA Europa League, club manager Bill Albert also went all out. He spent a lot of money on loan from Premier League Aston Villa to central defender Gareth Barry. The England teenager made his debut in 1998 and has been performing well.
Genk and Ajax are also actively negotiating. It is expected to loan Romanian defender Christian Chivu, who shined in the European Championship. The only problem is the player's own willingness. He is eager to play at a higher level. But, after Albert negotiated with him personally and gave him a promise of salary and time limit, the Romanian finally agreed.
In addition, Genk has also introduced several experienced midfielders, most of whom are on loan. Many teams and players are also willing to train for a season. In the new season, Genk will focus on defense, and then use Wang Feng as the sharp knife. In this case, the requirements for Wang Feng's offensive ability will be even greater.
Renee Delvaux switched to Francisco Balmond, and relied on his operation to sign Genk in the form of a free transfer. Although he is not very hardworking, his original strength is definitely underestimated. In Virton, he didn't even get to the main force, so he was completely underappreciated.
When Wang Feng heard the news, he was very happy for him. He immediately called and talked with Renee for a long time. Renee planned to put away his lazy character and work hard.
After a period of special training, Wang Feng obviously felt that his physical strength was better, his muscles were stronger, his explosive power seemed to have been further improved, and he was more confident about the new season.
After training, he will also spend some time with his family. After all, after the start of the season, he will not be able to see them for almost a year. During this period, he also discovered a miraculous phenomenon, that is, his younger sister's classmate Lu Yao, who seemed to be there every time he went home, but after seeing Wang Feng, her cheeks were often flushed, very cute.
The days of reunion are always very short. In early July, Genk began to assemble for summer training. Wang Feng bid farewell to his family and embarked on a journey again.
When Wang Feng arrived in Genk, Belgium, it was already late at night, but the club still sent a special car to wait at the airport. After receiving Wang Feng, they sent him to the dormitory. Balmond and Legoff, who were traveling with Wang Feng, left separately. Le Goff will follow Wang Feng to play home and away games, and formulate training plans in real time.
Early the next morning, Wang Feng came to the club to report. First, he had to undergo a comprehensive physical examination. Various data including weight and body fat showed that Wang Feng's physical condition was very good, not at all like returning from vacation.
"It seems that you have been training continuously during the holidays, and your physical condition is very good," the team doctor said happily. This report should be passed on to the head coach and the team's top management, and they should be very relieved.
"Yes, I hired a professional trainer to guide my training." Wang Feng replied. The team doctor nodded. This is very common for professional athletes. He said that he would actively communicate and cooperate with Wang Feng's trainer to jointly manage Wang Feng's training.
"You are just 17 years old, your body and skills are all in a stage of rapid progress, we will customize a growth plan for you, don't worry." The team doctor smiled and patted Wang Feng's shoulder, and Wang Feng nodded vigorously.
Back in the locker room, Wang Feng changed into his sportswear and came to the training ground. At this time, several young players were already training. They all greeted Wang Feng when they saw him.
Wang Feng's wonderful performance last season has completely conquered them, and according to the coach's tactical arrangement, Wang Feng will become Genk's core player, and it is most people's choice to establish a good relationship with him in advance. As for Bobby April, who was unhappy with Wang Feng last season, he has been transferred back to the youth team because he cannot replace Wang Feng.
The team captain for the new season is still Aaron Abigail. He had a chance to transfer to the Eredivisie, but he has played for Genk for many years and already has feelings, and going to the Eredivisie, he may not be able to play for the main force, so he stayed.
Abigail introduced Wang Feng's new teammates, first of all Gareth Barry, who is a head taller than Wang Feng and has a strong body. His several years of Premier League career have given him outstanding confrontation ability.
When Christian Chivu was introduced, Wang Feng could not help but look at him a few more times. It is rumored that many teams in Serie A are very interested in him, but he did not expect Albert to be able to use him.
Wang Feng watched several of his games. On the defensive end, Chivu was very active in fighting, with outstanding awareness and positioning. On the offensive end, his long passes and headers were quite threatening.
After exchanging a few simple greetings, everyone dispersed for warm-up training. Wang Feng has a good impression of the new players. Compared with the players who left the team, their level is not inferior. It seems that the team manager is determined to achieve results.