[Chapter 657: The One Strong Point of John Bull]
The British are best described as greedy and self-serving. But if we're talking about their strengths, there's definitely something to mention.
Soccer -- it's in their blood. Well, some may say Brazil seems better, and the French are pretty good too.
Whose team is stronger is subjective, and that's not the main point here. What we're discussing is the level of passion for soccer.
The sheer number of football clubs in England is mind-boggling. Beyond the Premier League, there's League One and League Two, plus the English Non-League system.
Besides these leagues, clubs also have reserve teams competing in a point system, not just kicking around for fun.
"Oh my God, is that really the PS200 million you paid for broadcasting rights?" Nastassja blurted out, glowing as she watched the match.
"What? Not worth it? Look, my boys are really putting in the effort."
"You should've bought the Serie A rights. I'm a fan of AC Milan! Besides, two hundred million for three years is just ridiculous. And with all those overseas broadcasting fees, my God, you've really lost it!"
Buying broadcasting rights for PS200 million indeed drew derision from many. Seriously, they call it a Super League, but it's just a rebranded version of League One teams.
"Nastassja, when it comes to business, ha! You might as well hurry up and give little William a bath. Making money isn't really your forte."
"Hmph, I'll bite you!"
"Wow, you really bit. My God, you must be nuts. You're not rabid, are you?"
After a cute huff, things took a decidedly inappropriate turn. As for the details, well, let your imagination fill in the blanks.
...
Today's Ferguson is positively brimming with enthusiasm. Although he didn't snag the Premier League trophy, he brought home the Champions League trophy.
No need to mention honors; the weight of this trophy far exceeds that of the league trophy. That American mogul has made good on his promise.
The PS20 million bonus has sent the whole team into a frenzy. Remember, that's just the owner's personal bonus -- doesn't have anything to do with the club.
"Alex, I watched the match, and it was quite good -- congratulations!"
"Thank you, sir. This year, I need to strengthen the squad. The Premier League format is still pretty tight."
"Sure thing, Alex. If possible, the first Premier League trophy will be important. As for the money, that's not an issue. I spent PS200 million on the broadcasting rights, and of course, I hope to broadcast my own team."
"Alright, sir, we have a lot of promising talent right now. They're all excellent."
"Good. Just email me the specifics on how much you need."
Having a wealthy owner makes for very enjoyable soccer management. In fact, Manchester United's famed Class of '92 is absolutely spectacular -- David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and the Neville brothers.
Seriously, these guys are more than capable of dominating the Premier League. What they're missing is just a little more time to grow.
However, it leaves William White confused as to why this talented bunch cannot seem to get to the World Cup.
Decades of long-ball tactics -- it's frustrating. If you players don't get tired of it, I, as a spectator, am losing patience. Is tradition really a thing?
William White knows very well about Ferguson's Class of '92 squad. It's just a shame the guys he's tossing out there are clearly lacking in comparison. Sigh, you guys can't learn a little more? Didn't they say, "A bird of a feather flock together"?
As the World Cup approaches, William White is feeling increasingly overwhelmed. When it comes to American soccer, the jokes and various memes are endless.
...
"William, your Major League is looking a bit weak. Come on, the World Cup is right around the corner; can your team handle it?" William White found himself dreading such jabs from Bush Jr.. Dude, I'm wondering if I should throw in the towel.
"Damn it, let them catch fewer people at the border. Those are our future players." Jokes? William White doesn't shy away from anyone. There are still two guys in his team without status.
"Cough, cough, William, they want the U.S. team, not Mexico's B team."
"Fine, I'll work on women's soccer. You know, their expenses are hefty -- almost equal to the total from other countries."
The U.S. has a strange law, supposedly prohibiting discrimination against women. Whatever the men's team makes, the women's team must earn the same; otherwise, there'd be women demanding equal pay.
"Hahaha, you're not that picky, are you? For crying out loud, women's soccer is already doing great. William, time is running out for the U.S. team."
"Don't worry, next year things will improve. It's a gradual process, and I don't have any superheroes here. If you could get Spider-Man to be our goalie, cough, our players are really good at penalty shots."
*****
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